OFFICIAL watchdogs are calling for changes to be made at Northallerton's Victorian prison.

They want to see a series of improvements to the facilities at the Remand Centre and Young Offenders' Institution.

The annual report of the Board of Visitors cited outdoor recreational activities, the visitors' centre and the segregation unit as areas of the prison in need of improvement.

And while the modern kitchen was described as first class, the board criticised a change in the way menus were organised.

The board chairman Ted Darwin said: "Until last year, Northallerton was allowed to get on with the job of feeding its prisoners the way it wanted to.

"They got lots of pats on the back for it."

However, the centre had since had to fall in line with national policy, with inmates selecting what they wanted in advance.

"These are youngsters and a lot of them haven't got a clue what they want," he said.

"One of the problems we have had is that they don't know what half of the things on the menu are, or know if they like them."

The report also said that the lack of a decision about the building's future by the Prison Service was leading to low morale among its 137 staff.

"It has been known for years that Northallerton would have to change," said Mr Darwin.

Areas praised included the prison gymnasium and staff were commended for increasing the amount of hours inmates could spend out of their cells.

Mr Darwin said: "One of the things that we are completely happy with is the relationship between the staff and the inmates, which is much better than what we are led to believe is the case at other similar establishments."

Prison governor Martin Ward said: "The commitment by the physical education staff and the introduction of sports and games officers helps to provide a wide and active programme.

"They work closely with education and healthcare supporting programmes that address drug-related issues and resettlement."

He said other issues such as the meal menus had been resolved.

Mr Ward added: "The original attempt to introduce the pre-select menu was ill-conceived and implemented which led to numerous complaints.

"However that has now been addressed."