Dartmoor jail is 'transformed'

Dartmoor Prison: "Good and improving"

A new report says Dartmoor Prison in Devon has been "transformed" and is now fit for the 21st Century.

An investigation by HM Inspectorate of Prisons five years ago concluded it was stuck in a "time warp" with scarcely any benefits for prisoners.

Provision of work and training for inmates at the Princetown jail has improved "beyond recognition" according to inspectorate's latest report.

Dartmoor's governor Serena Watts said she was "delighted" with the findings.

'Very progressive'

"We are delighted, without a doubt," she said.

"We believe Dartmoor is a very progressive prison and to have it validated by an external inspection has been very good."

The report also highlighted better opportunities for prisoners to find jobs and a home on release with resettlement opportunities described as "good and improving".

More does need to be done though, it says, including building new workshops and improving race relations.

But the report concludes Dartmoor has been transformed since the last inspection in 2001 and is now a modern training prison, fit for the 21st century.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers said Dartmoor now had "one of best resettlement units we've seen".