PRISON officers have returned a vote of no confidence in the management team at a troubled Young Offenders Institute.

The Prison Officers Association at Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle, said its members were unanimous in the vote taken this week.

Staff morale at Deerbolt is said to be at rock bottom amid rising tension at the YOI.

Inmates staged a four hour sit down protest in the prison canteen after being told they were being refused association time to phone family and girlfriends.

Prison officers were then ordered by Governor Phil Copple to work longer hours until further notice in order to provide a full range of activities for inmates.

The move, which coincides with a staffing shortage at Deerbolt, has been challenged by the local POA.

Spokesman Mick Charlton said it was taking legal advice over concerns that officers were being given little opportunity to take time off in lieu, contrary to a national agreement.

One prison officer said: "We're having big problems. We've had to cancel gym activities and there has been more incidents of violence and fighting in recent months than I've known in years."

Deerbolt, which opened in 1973 on the site of a former Second World War army camp, was said earlier this year by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons to provide a "decent and safe" environment for inmates.

But it was criticised for a lack of resources which left some young offenders spending up to 23 hours a day locked in their cells.

Prison governor Mr Copple is due to leave at the end of next week to take up a new post at Durham's Frankland prison.

A replacement is yet to be found which has led to fears that Deerbolt has been left "rudderless".