Horticultural courses proving big hit with prisoners

Horticultural courses at the Isle of Man Prison could help prisoners become more productive members of the community.

That’s the view of the Department of Home Affairs which says inmates have been reaping the rewards of becoming green-fingered.

Over the last year they've produced two tonnes of homegrown produce including a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.

As well as creating cost savings for the prison itself, prisoners can also take a diploma in horticulture.

Deputy governor Nigel Fisher says the skills learnt are transferable: