A DURHAM prison's governor and staff have won praise following an unannounced inspection.

In February, HM Inspectorate of Prisons visited Frankland Prison, run by Ivor Woods, and found the jail had made considerable progress since the last inspection, in 1998.

The inspection report said the jail had acted on most of the recommendations made after the previous visit.

But, it made recommendations including a revision of the drug strategy to provide work and support for prisoners completing the drug treatment programme.

It also said wheelchair-bound prisoners living in the jail's health centre should have the facilities to live in cells, so they could have better access to "purposeful activity".

Deputy Chief Inspector of Prisons Colin Allen said: "This is a good report on a good prison.

"At Frankland, the governor and his staff have created a constructive environment for difficult long-term prisoners.

"Frankland is a well-managed prison. I am sure that the governor and his staff will not rest on their well-deserved laurels.''

Director General of the Prison Service Martin Narey said: "This is a prison that I have previously described as outstanding - and quite rightly so.

"This is down to an excellent group of staff led by a hugely committed and able governor."