PRISONERS being held on remand at Richmond police station are desperate to be moved to jail - because life there is too tough.

Despite food prepared by chefs at the award-winning King's Head Hotel, their own laundry service and access to a telephone, inmates dislike the strict no-smoking policy operated throughout the station.

The prisoners are being held in police cells because of the shortage of jail space.

Sgt Mick Griffiths admitted that the limited facilities had led to friction, with some prisoners flooding their rooms in the hope of being moved.

He said: "We don't have facilities for visitors here and, as this building is owned by North Yorkshire Police, we operate a no-smoking policy.

"We do have an exercise yard and the prisoners are allowed a limited time to use it. The prisoners are hardly feasting like kings. We checked what they would get in prison and have budgeted for much the same."

Police officers have been working 12-hour overtime shifts to guard the prisoners.

The Prison Service, which is paying the extra wages, confirmed it is likely to be March before extra cells are available.

Supt Paul Gregory said: "It is something which could put a strain on our resources if it continues indefinitely.

"We will be keeping a careful watch to ensure officers who volunteer are not going to burn themselves out."