Prison garden helps inmates 'make change in life'

Staff said inmates were able to see their food go from "seedling to plate"

Guernsey Prison will open its doors later to dozens of islanders as gardens tended to by prisoners go on display.

John De Carteret, governor of the prison, said 62 islanders would be visiting, an increase on the normal limit of 40 visitors, due to the interest in the open garden event.

Mr De Carteret said prisoners had been growing a wide variety of produce including corn, tomatoes and chillies.

He said the initiative meant the prison saved an estimated £23,000-30,000 a year on food costs.

"We are very proud of this area, it provides a lot of work for prisoners and it's something that I think the public should see," he said.

"Ultimately people come into prison to make a change in their life and I think this shows everything that they are capable of doing in a positive way."

Governor John De Carteret said there was a sense of pride in the prison's gardens

Paul Seammen, prison officer, said the produce was used in the prison kitchens, allowing inmates to see their food go from "seedling to plate".

He said any leftover produce would be put up to be sold at the front of the prison.

Prisoners can also work towards a number horticulture qualifications, with an offer to take part in an introduction to beekeeping course.

The prison gardens has also entered into the Floral Guernsey event.