Offenders’ work is praised

Buy photos » Teacher Mark Southall, MP Karen Lumley and pupils Daniel Edwards, 13, Zac Cavey, 12, and Liam Webber, 13, take a look at the completed flower bed. Picture by Neville Collins 3012008ncr. Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com.

THE HARD work of prisoners on a restorative justice scheme and pupils has been unveiled at a Redditch school.

HMP Hewell staff and two prisoners worked alongside students from the Forge Short Stay School on Easemore Road to create a flower bed as part of the programme which sees offenders putting something back into society.

Headteacher Roger Satterthwaite said it had been a very important partnership for them with a beneficial impact on the school.

“The power of learning from a reformed person is considerable and students have come to value the relationship with Hewell.

“The raised flower bed completed in the worst weather imaginable has been a triumph. Our students have been very motivated by the enthusiasm and commitment of the men working at school.”

MP Karen Lumley, who attended the unveiling, added: “It was good to see the two prisoners who had enjoyed it as much as the young people had.

“The pay back project is an excellent scheme and one I look forward to continuing to support.”

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