Thorn Cross Young Offender Institute wins prison garden award

16:30 8th September 2011

Greenhouse enthusiasts might be interested to hear that the Thorn Cross Young Offender Institute (TCYOI) in Cheshire has been commended for having the best kept prison garden in England and Wales and was presented with the Windlesham Trophy 2011.

The trophy, a redundant Green Goddess fire engine bell, was handed over by the Royal Horticultural Society's president Elizabeth Banks.

Up to 30 young male prisoners tend to the gardens at the TCYOI, which include a large conservation area that is home to many species of wildlife such as butterflies and insects.

Head of learning and skills for the institute, John Platt, said that winning the trophy is a real achievement for everyone involved and that walking around the garden is a delight.

"The importance of wellbeing is enhanced by the many different gardens throughout, adding to a safer and more positive environment for all in the prison," he added.

The Windlesham Trophy was originally devised in 1983 by Lord Windlesham, who felt it would give prisoners an extra sense of worth.