A PROJECT that will allow prisoners to spend more time with their children is to be launched.

Visiting time for prisoners at Low Newton, County Durham, is a precious opportunity for mothers who have little chance to see their children.

It is recognised that the visits benefit both parents and children but in the past, they have not been able to make the most of their time together.

County Durham Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP), in conjunction with the staff at Low Newton, have been working with the Millennium Parent and Child Trust to improve the quality of childcare in the prison.

The EYDCP has made funds available to the trust that will allow them to buy play and learning equipment.

Due to the families' circumstances, neither the children nor prisoners have much opportunity to learn and play together and the equipment will improve the quality of their time available.

Rose Envy, training co-ordinator, said: "It is vitally important for children at a very early age to spend quality time with their mothers, especially in such difficult circumstances.

"The women at Low Newton have worked extremely hard to realise their ambitions and they deserve all the help they can get as they recognise the importance of spending time with their children."

The trust is managed by the prisoners, who have formed a committee to oversee the purchase of equipment.

To help launch the project, the trust has organised a fun day on November 28.