HARD-up young prisoners have chipped in part of their wages to help send £1,500 to the tsunami disaster fund.

Some of the inmates gave £3 or £4 towards the appeal at Deerbolt Young Offenders Institution, at Barnard Castle, County Durham.

They sponsored eight prisoners and three prison officers who took part in a five-mile run, five-a-side football and weight-training.

Prison officer Alan Baines, who collected the cash, said: "The lads can earn about £10 a week, so they handed over a significant part of their pocket money. Quite a number gave £3 or £4.

"Many of them were clearly moved when they saw devastating scenes of the disaster on television. They really wanted to do something to help the victims."

Nearly all the 450 prisoners, who are aged 18 to 21, handed over some of their wages, which can be saved or spent on cigarettes, sweets and toiletries.

Mr Baines said: "The staff contributed to the £1,500 we are sending to the disaster fund, but we are particularly proud of the sum given by inmates.