SOUTH Tyneside offenders will soon be sent text messages to remind them of their next appointments.

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.

I’m pleased to see that authorities are getting it.