Isle of Sheppey prison bio-fuel project funded

A project at a Kent prison to convert waste cooking oil into bio-diesel has secured funding.

The fuel will be recycled and used at HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey.

The Big Lottery Fund has awarded £946,275 for the bio-diesel project and another energy efficiency scheme for local residents.

Sustainable Sheppey, which is run by voluntary, public and private sector partners, is running both initiatives.

Increasing employment skills

The bio-diesel project at HMP Standford Hill plans to provide training and qualifications to prisoners coming to the end of their terms.

Initially, the bio-diesel will be used within the prison estate but there are plans to make it available to the surrounding community.

The second Sustainable Sheppey scheme which is being funded aims to help island residents make homes more energy efficient.

Called Green Doctors, advisors will visit people's homes to explain how to increase their energy efficiency.

An apprenticeship scheme will also be part of the project, to give graduates further employment skills.