A GROUP of inmates have launched an in-house magazine to put people in different parts of their prison in touch with each other.

Holme Alone, which was launched yesterday, is designed to entertain, stimulate and amuse staff and prisoners at Holme House Prison, in Stockton.

Prisoners and staff will be encouraged to share information, ideas and problems through the monthly magazine.

It is edited by inmates working with writer-in-residence Andy Croft, who has a three-year appointment at the prison.

He said: "It's a fantastic achievement. A few weeks ago it was only an idea and now we have enough material for the first three issues.

"There's a lot of interest in the magazine. People have been asking when the first issue is coming out, and suddenly everyone wants to write for it."

Each month, Holme Alone will carry letters, poems, opinions, match reports, competitions, and a problem page and crossword.

Governor of Holme House Richard Crouch said: "We're all very clear about the need to improve prisoners' basic literacy skills to boost their chances of employment on release."