Probation officers in Gateshead are already texting prolific offenders and those convicted of drug-related offences to remind them of future meetings.

And from next month, the scheme, which has the backing of offenders, is to be introduced to South Tyneside and the rest of the Northumbria area.

Probation chiefs hope it will help those convicted of a crime to increase attendance at essential appointments.

Northumbria Probation's assistant chief officer Barry Taylor said: "Text messaging is being introduced to build on the progress we have already made in improving offender compliance with appointments.

"Attending appointments is the offender's personal responsibility and this system in no way replaces that.

"But for selected offenders who might be experiencing some difficulties, it can help them stay on track so they continue to engage with the probation service, receive the supervision and rehabilitation work they need, and don't re-offend."

The text messaging service is an automated system which will kick in once a request has been made an offender manager.

Messages will then be sent to remind people of their next appointments, either with their probation officer or for other commitments such as medical appointments, training sessions or housing support.

An option will also be available to include individual instructions.

Bev Familton, team manager for Gateshead Probation Service, where the scheme has been piloted, said: "We work with a group of offenders who have chaotic lifestyles, the poorest memory and often the most difficulty in gaining control of their lives and adapting to a regular, constructive routine.

"The offenders are very positive about receiving the messages, which can be sent the day before an appointment.

"It helps to overcome the initial barriers to engagement which many offenders experience and which contributes towards their reoffending."

A pilot study, by the National Offender Management Service, to test the usefulness and effectiveness of the service revealed that text messaging does work to improve offender compliance and is cost effective.