A GARDEN designed and created by prisoners at Maghaberry has been awarded a National Trust gold award.
Inmates have spent seven months turning a neglected area into a garden with the theme Moving Forward. They have used recycled materials and bedding plants they grew themselves and the garden features a train named the Maghaberry Flyer which reflects the journey from incarceration at the maximum security prison to release.
The project was part of a Horticulture City and Guilds, taught at the prison by Belfast Met.
The garden was awarded 88 of a possible 90 points and given a National Trust gold award.
Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronne Armour said the service had a duty to "challenge people in our care and support them to change".
"Encouraging them through vocational skills will also help them when they are released, reducing the risk of re-offending and help to build a safer community,” he added.
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