A REPORT on a young offenders institution (YOI) where inmates twice went on the rampage earlier this year has questioned the policy of taking prisoners from other parts of the country.

The independent monitoring board's annual report on Deerbolt, at Startforth, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, urges the National Prison Population Management Department to consider the poor transport links to the town when allocating prisoners from Manchester and Liverpool.

A riot in the prison chapel in February, which was ended by officers using stun grenades, is believed to have started because inmates from the North-West were upset at being locked up so far from home.

Six prisoners from the Manchester area were immediately moved to other parts of the country.

The report was written before the disturbances, but the inspectors, who all live within 20 miles of the prison, stood by its content last night.

Former board chairman David Ewart said: "The incidents do not change my view of the YOI.

"We looked at what was going on in Deerbolt and expressed our concerns about the prisoners from Liverpool and Manchester.

"When you mix groups, it can lead to tension and this is exacerbated by the fact families find it difficult to visit."

Chairman Ian Findlay said: "Both disturbances involved very small pockets of individuals and were dealt with very quickly because the right systems were in place.

"We believe that prisoners should be able to keep in contact with their families and this was highlighted in the report."

The board praised prison officers for providing a safe and caring regime and for helping divert Deerbolt's 460 inmates from a life of crime.

Its education record is one of the best in the country and high priority is given to drugs education and help to overcome addictions.

Prisoners aged between 18 and 21 learn practical skills, such as bricklaying, mechanics, driving and catering, helping them to find jobs on release.

The report commended the commitment shown by officers to anti-bullying and suicide prevention measures and to the proper treatment of new prisoners, although it criticised the way many arrived at Deerbolt without the relevant documentation.