ON THE MAT: Prison Officer Kev Jeffries, of Wakefield Prison, shows students Rebecca Taylor and Matthew Lowry the living space for two inmates Picture: Nigel Holland

Prison officers have given a stark and frightening warning about life behind bars to school pupils in York.

The 15 and 16-year-olds are all on a course which takes them out of school for one day a week to prepare them for life after school and to help them with career decisions.

Officers from Wakefield Jail visited York College to paint a graphic picture of life inside.

They spoke about the bullying and intimidation that goes on in jails, and showed the improvised weapons prisoners crafted out of pieces of furniture.

They also told of the makeshift "beer" inmates made by warming bottles of bread, fruit and unidentified liquids next to radiators.

It was the first time the team of officers had visited pupils outside Wakefield and they were invited along to speak to students on the city's work-related learning project.

The project involves Year 11 students in their final year before GCSEs who spend a day out of school every week at York College.

Half the day is spent on college vocational courses, including mechanics, hairdressing, child care, sport and leisure, brickcraft, painting and decorating.

The other half is spent on other courses including careers, first aid, communications and citizenship.

The visit from the prison officers was part of the citizenship section, which also included taking part in a mock trial and visiting York Crown Court to watch a case.

Rebecca Taylor, 16, of Heslington, and Matthew Lowry, 16, of Dunnington, are both from Fulford School and have been on the work-related learning project since September.

Rebecca chose to do childcare as her vocational course and has already landed a conditional place on a college childcare course when she leaves school.

She said: "I think it's really worthwhile. It gives you a better advantage on life after school, it gives you something extra to do and prepares you more."

Matthew said he was doing a joinery course and hoped to win a place at Bishop Burton College to do an outdoor activities course.

Judith Short, project co-ordinator, said it was now into its second year and was being funded by the City of York Council.

She said: "Last year's students all got places in further education or training.

"We've had incredibly positive comments from students and their parents. They have been able to have tasters of courses they wouldn't have been able to have otherwise. It's helped them with making career decisions."

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