FRAN Elliot is a patient and determined woman. For 25 years she has watched young criminals filter through the prison system, unable to stay out of trouble once they are released, and inevitably ending up back behind bars.

Her gentle nature - remarkable because she has spent much of her life surrounded by young criminals - belies a steely will. It is the product of working for so long in such an intimidating environment.

Hundreds of teenage offenders enter the prison system every year, are then released, only to return shortly after. It is a continuous cycle.

But for Fran, who works at Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, there is always the hope that a few may leave the prison system better people, and capable of going on to make something of their lives.

And she says that, at last, she is beginning to see fewer of the same old faces trudging back through the gates.

Instead, they are finding jobs, building careers, turning away from crime.

This is largely down to Fran and her team of volunteers, who teach literacy and numeracy skills at Deerbolt's Baliol Learning Centre.

Most of those who arrive at the school haven't seen a text book since primary school, and many have poor reading and writing skills.

The adult learning support group strives to change that, and instil a sense of achievement and self-esteem in the prisoners.

Fran said: "The lads come to the support group off their own backs. We can't force them to come. Many don't bother, and most of those end up back behind bars.

"But others really want to better themselves and it is the most rewarding thing in the world to see prisoners learning, and realising that they can achieve qualifications and get jobs when they are released."

Three sessions a week are held at the learning centre, and the team of volunteer tutors work on a one-to-one basis with the inmates.

Dean, 20, from Middlesbrough, who is serving a three-year sentence for burglary, left school at ten and gradually fell into a life of crime.

Now, all he wants to do is learn how to read and write.

He said: "I've been doing this for about nine months, and it's really good. All I want to do is try to learn basic reading and writing, so that when I get out I've at least achieved something.

"I don't want to go back to crime. I want to try to get a job. I don't want to spend my life in prison."

There are other prisoners, like 18-year-old James, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, who has surprised even his tutors with his achievements.

In six months, he has collected a number of qualifications, including GCSEs, and is now intent on starting his own business when he is released.

He said: "The tutors are really helpful and I've learnt loads. I'm going to set up my own business when I get out and become a success."

Despite its successes, the support group is in desperate need of volunteers, who come from all walks of life. Volunteers include a retired businessmen, teachers and unemployed people.

No experience is necessary, as training is provided, and the work can lead to a City and Guilds qualification.

To find out more about the adult learning support group, contact education manager Chris Holroyd on (01833) 631031