TRAINING and support for prisoners will play a much greater role when Durham Prison becomes the country's first community jail.

It will change from high security to community status as part of a pilot scheme to help prisoners serving shorter sentences return to society successfully.

Kevin Straughan, head of learning and skills at HMP Durham, said: "We are looking at learning and skills development for prisoners to help take them seamlessly from custody back into the community and ensure we have brought about a fundamental change in attitude and behaviour.

"One of the many reasons we were chosen is, unlike others we are a city-based prison. We are close to partner organisations both geographically and in a relationship sense, therefore it was felt the scheme could progress faster here than anywhere else in the country."

The scheme will focus on the Government's Skills for Life agenda, which aims to raise levels of literacy, language, numeracy and IT skills among adults. Social and parenting skills will also be addressed.

Mr Straughan added: "It's a fantastic opportunity for a flagship prison such as HMP Durham, we have dedicated staff who will be at the sharp end, making the changes happen."