GOVERNMENT inspectors have called for improvements to combat drug use and bullying at a prison housing some of the country's most dangerous offenders.

Inspectors said the maximum security Frankland Prison, on the outskirts of Durham City, provided a safe and decent environment for its 655 inmates.

But the prison also faces a number of criticisms in the report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers.

The report calls for a review of security measures to prevent drugs from entering the prison, as well as drug awareness training for all staff.

Mandatory drug testing is said to be not well managed, largely because of the regular redeployment of staff to other duties.

The report said: "Although staff with specialist input into drug treatment had received appropriate training, drug awareness courses for all staff did not appear to be a high priority."

A "committed and caring" staff were praised for taking suicide and self-harm seriously, but only 23 per cent were said to have received specific training in this area.

Inspectors also identified a lack of staff training in anti-bullying and the need for more awareness about it.

The segregation unit at Frankland was well managed, the report said, but not all the staff working in it had been given suicide prevention training, which was of particular concern.

An effective resettlement strategy for inmates being released directly into the community and who may pose a risk was also required.

The report praised the induction programme for inmates and said the prison was clean, with adequate facilities such as telephones, showers and a laundry.

Health care services were generally good, as were the training facilities in the prison workshops.

Relationships between prisoners and staff were also good.

In the report, Ms Owers concluded: "It was overall a safe and decent environment grounded in good relationships between staff and prisoners, but with an appropriate focus on security.

"If it can grapple effectively with the problems that we identify it will be able to provide even better outcomes for prisoners and contribute even more positively to the long-term protection of the public."