PORTLAND'S Young Offender Institution is continuing to make improvements, but still has a long way to go.

These are the findings of the annual report by the board of visitors, which states that despite several major setbacks during the year, the pace of change continues to accelerate.

It is hoped that next year will see greater changes as initial work gets underway in a £16 million refurbishment scheme on the residential units.

Board chairman Gordon Knowles highlights the areas in need of improvement, including education, physical exercise and the general refurbishment of accommodation. He said: "In the Benbow and Drake residential units the existing standard of showers, toilets and changing rooms is appalling and many cell windows leak constantly. Although several cells have been given a coat of paint, the refurbishment cannot come soon enough."

The facilities in the induction unit also came in for criticism, with particular regard to hygiene in the building.

Mr Knowles said: "The house recesses continue to be totally unacceptable. Staff and prisoners have to paddle through a mixture of water and urine to use the toilet facilities and the rear of the building still has a problem with rubbish and faeces parcels being thrown from cell windows."

The board also found that the provisions for physical exercise and education were insufficient and suggested the development of a modern sports hall and a purpose built education facility.

The institution did receive particular praise, however, for working towards better preparation for release of prisoners.

Mr Knowles said: "This has been the cornerstone of the institution's development over the past year.

"The whole ethos of the establishment's planning for the future has been based on the premise that lack of preparation for release into the community is preparation for failure and future recidivism."

There were also several indicators of improvements in many other areas, including trade training workshops, parole and drug controls.

Mr Knowles congratulated the governor Kevin Lockyer and his staff for their efforts.

He said: "They have made considerable inroads into bringing about fundamental changes in attitude of mind and philosophy when working with difficult young offenders."