YOUNGSTERS have been given the chance to earn back their free travel cards by taking part in environmental projects.

From next week onwards young people in Greenwich who have had their cards taken away due to bad behaviour can retrieve them by volunteering for work on green schemes around the capital.

The initiative has been organised by the National Young Volunteers Service, The London Wildlife Trust and the Mayor of London.

Head of programmes at the National Young Volunteers Service, Rachel Oliver, said: “This initiative is a fantastic way for young people to get a taste of volunteering and all its benefits for them and for their community.

"Our research shows that once a young person has tried volunteering they are more likely to want to do so again.”

More than 123 people in Greenwich have had their travel cards confiscated for bad behaviour since June last year.

To volunteer for one of the projects, visit btcv.org