Lindsay Lohan began her community service this morning (06.05.11).

The troubled star reported for duty at the Los Angeles Downtown Women's Center (DWC) - where she is must complete 360 hours of work - just before 10am.

A source close to the star told website X17.com: "She's thrilled to finally get started at the centre and to prove herself in the eyes of the court. This is Lindsay's chance to start over and she doesn't want to screw it up."

The 'Mean Girls' star must work at the shelter for homeless women as part of a 480 hour community service sentence handed to her last month, for breaking the terms of her probation in connection with accusations of her stealing a $2,200 necklace from an upmarket jewellers.

The 24-year-old star visited the facility earlier this week, where she learned more about what she will be doing.

Centre spokesman Patrick Shandrick said: "Miss Lohan's work could include working with the ladies on creating unique items for MADE by DWC - an innovative social enterprise cafe and gift boutique offering handmade products.

"DWC is a life changing experience for all that walk through our door. We are a community that fosters dignity and respect.

"DWC hopes that Miss Lohan is inspired by her experience here."

As well as 360 hours at the homeless shelter, the 'Machete' actress has also been ordered to undergo 120 hours of janitorial work at the Los Angeles County Morgue. She was also sentenced to 120 days in prison, which she has been bailed from.

Lindsay - who was under probation for a driving under The Influence (DUI) charge in 2007 - is due to return to court on May 11 for a pre-trial hearing in her theft case, after the charge was reduced from felony grand theft to a misdemeanour, with the actual trial planned for June 3.