STAFF and prisoners at Glenochil held a Christmas card fundraising drive this month in aid of charity.

By making their own cards that could be bought and sold inside the Clacks jail, the inmates were able to send messages to their loved ones, while also raising money for CHAS.

With help from officers, they worked on the project throughout December and raised a total of £230.

Prison officer Nicola Hunter said: “I thought it might be nice for the guys on Harviestoun 4 to make Christmas cards for their loved ones. I know at this time of the year individuals miss their family and like to buy Christmas cards but this can be expensive, especially on a prison wage.

“So I discussed the idea with the guys on Harviestoun 4 about making their own Christmas cards and generating some money for charity.

“The guys started at the beginning of December and as a result of the quality of the cards 80 per cent of individuals on level 4 participated in some form, raising around £230 for CHAS and giving something back to the community.”

The idea found favour among those inside as it gave them the opportunity to reach out to their loved ones in a personal way.

One of the inmates Michael said: “Making the Christmas cards for our family was a great idea. It’s the time of year where family means the most.”

Fellow prisoner Keith added: “It was great feeling when my children received my cards through the post. The fact that it made them happy, made me happy.”

Unit manager David Gatherum praised the “extremely popular initiative” highlighting that a large percentage of percentage have children and miss them greatly at this time of year.

He added: “Not only do the prisoners who created the cards achieve an increase in their self-esteem, they also contribute to a wonderful charity that they relate to as dads themselves. Overall, it was a wonderful effort by all involved.”

And while many of the HMP Glenochil residents were sold by the idea in any case, the thought of raising money for charity was a fine sweetener.

Prisoner John P said: “It felt good to make a personal card for my niece and nephew and to raise money for charity”, while Kyle added: “It was something different to send to my kids and family, it was good that the staff were helpful and raised money for charity.”

John T added: “It was a great idea that everyone thoroughly enjoyed and the staff were also great. It also was fantastic we all raised money for charity.”

CHAS provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.