Jail greens up to help

Green-fingered prisoners at HMP Wymott in Ulnes Walton are to set up a huge greenhouse to grow exotic plants ranging from orchids to birds of paradise.

It is hoped the plants can then be sold on to raise cash for local charities.

The Hot house project, in partnership with The Green Centre, Eccleston, is already under way at the prison and a small greenhouse is in operation with plants being donated to schools, community groups and organisations.

Prison officer Ted Quick, said: "We wanted to give the inmates on our new vulnerable prisoners' wing, many of whom are disabled or over-65, the chance to learn a practical skill that they could use to help the community.

"It's certainly an unusual scheme and it's great to see the prisoners engaged in something they enjoy and can put to good use."

The original idea for the project came from a prisoner, James Hogg, who is serving eight years at Wymott. He has been aided by eight prison warders and many of the 60 other prisoners on the wing.

Mr Quick added: "James in particular has really learnt a lot from the project and has managed most of it single-handedly. He only has six months left to serve and it's great to know he has benefited from being here."

The project was helped off the ground by The Green Centre, a community charity group based in Eccleston. They have worked with prisoners to distribute the plants to local groups and are helping to find funding for the hot house, which it is hoped will be built by November.

Alison Riach, the Green Centre's villages project co-ordinator, said: "A vast array of produce has been sold to prison staff and donated to local schools and residents.

"Some of the things prisoners learn during their sentence, like basket weaving, are not really relevant on release but this is something they can actually use."

Anyone who can help with donations of seeds, seed trays, plants pots and other gardening items should contact Alison on 01257 452088.