A group of schoolchildren who hurled rocks at Metrolink were made to clean up their act...and a tram.

Five youngsters aged 10 were responsible for throwing missiles at three passing trams at Failsworth during the summer.

One passenger was left with minor injuries and the line had to be temporarily suspended.

The M.E.N reported in October that the children were to carry out cleaning work as part of the restorative justice programme - which aims to reform those who commit antisocial behaviour.

And now Metrolink have included an image of their punishment in action as part of a public report to councillors.

It shows the youths wearing high-viz and wielding buckets and sponges as they clean trams during their half-term break.

The children also met up with two drivers whose trams were damaged during the incident.

The drivers explained to them what impact the incident had on them and their passengers during the session at Queen's Park depot.

The children were shown pictures of the damage and were warned that reoffending could result in a charge and appearance at a youth court.

Home visits were made, and their parents were involved.

The youngsters apologised for their actions and agreed to become young ambassadors for Metrolink.

Figures obtained by the M.E.N with a Freedom of Information request show yobs have attacked the Metrolink network nearly 1,200 times over two years.

It's led to a crackdown by the TravelSafe team, made up of security staff, PCSOs and GMP officers. Their main focus has been the Oldham and Rochdale line, which is most targeted by offenders.

(Image: GMP)

Restorative justice process holds offenders to account for what they have done and helps them take responsibility for their actions and make amends.

To date, there have been no reported cases of reoffending by those ordered to go through the process.

The restorative justice programme was arranged by The TravelSafe Partnership, which targets crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion on the Metrolink.

Graham Lord Jones, operational security manager at KeolisAmey Metrolink, said: “The children and their families were all clearly receptive to the warning and apologised to our staff and police.”

Chief Insp Colette Rose from GMP said: “I’m pleased to hear the use of restorative justice has been successful on this occasion and the children have apologised for their actions.

"Hearing first-hand from the drivers affected by the stone throwing is something which I am sure will stay with the children for a long time, as well as deterring them from becoming involved in any similar incidents.”