JAILS across the region are among the best in the country, according to the first performance tables compiled by the Prison Service.

Frankland Prison, in Durham, was among only five jails placed in level four - the highest category - and said to be "high performing".

It will now receive extra money, to reward staff or invest in the jail, and enjoy "increased certainty" over future funding levels.

Low Newton Prison, in Durham, was also placed in level four and could be given extra cash next year, if it continues its performance.

Six other jails in the North-East and North Yorkshire were in level three: Durham Prison; Full Sutton, near York; Deerbolt Young Offenders Institution, at Barnard Castle, County Durham; Holme House, near Stockton, Teesside; Castington Young Offenders Institution, in Northumberland and Kirklevington Grange, near Yarm.

All prisons were given a "scorecard" after assessments of 61 standards, of everything from healthcare to catering, and 40 key targets, focusing on escapes, assaults and drug use, among others.

The results of independent inspections and the views of area managers, covering more "subjective" factors such as decency and commitment to change, were also among the criteria.

Level four prisons were described as "exceptionally high performing, consistently meeting or exceeding targets, no significant operating problems".

Level three prisons were judged to be "meeting the majority of targets, experiencing no significant problems, delivering a reasonable and decent regimes". Level two jails were "basically stable, experiencing significant problems in meeting targets", while level one prisons were "failing to provide secure, ordered, or decent regimes".

Three prisons were placed in level one - Brixton and Holloway, both in London, and Dartmoor - and named and shamed as the country's worst.

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman said the effect of naming and shaming would be to put extra pressure on staff already working under difficult conditions.

He said: "Prisons could be made more accountable by requiring governors to publish a local newsletter and answer questions at an annual public meeting."

But Martin Narey, the commissioner for correctional services, defended the decision to produce the tables, which will be updated quarterly.

He said: "The prisons performance rating table shows how prisons are performing against a range of indicators and clearly demonstrates where the public are getting value for money and where there is room for improvement."