CONDITIONS are getting better at Portland's Young Offender Institution, but there are still serious problems with violence at the jail, a new report reveals today.

Inspectors had previously criticised conditions at the YOI and head of the Prison Service Martin Narey described it as a "hell hole". Six suspended prison officers were cleared after a police inquiry earlier this year into allegations of brutality.

But a new report by chief inspector of prisons Sir David Ramsbotham shows the jail has made good progress since its last inspection and hails newly created juvenile units - which house younger prisoners aged 15 to 17 - as among the best in the country.

He also praises the units' principal officer Adrian Armitage for his 'inspirational' leadership and prison governor Kevin Lockyer for pushing change forward.

He said: "Reading the number of times the word 'achieved' occurs beside comments on followed-up recommendations demonstrates that a great deal has happened in the year since the last inspection."

YOI governor Kevin Lockyer said: "This is a very balanced report that recognises the enormous amount of progress made at Portland. It is a big morale boost for staff here and shows Portland is not the same place inspectors visited a year ago."

But inspectors also highlight major concerns about prisoner safety in the induction wing - known as the Hardy unit - where inmates spend the first few weeks of their sentence.

Bullying and violence are still a problem and the report reveals a rise in the number of assaults and prisoners attempting to harm or kill themselves.

Staff attitudes at the jail also come under the spotlight. The report says inmates complained about racism and prison officers swearing at them.

Sir David, who retired last month, said: "It is a direct responsibility of staff to provide a model of good behaviour and reach out to young prisoners. There are a small number of staff demonstrating they do not understand these responsibilities."

But Mr Lockyer denied there was any evidence of "overt racism". He said: "Racism will not be tolerated at Portland. I expect high standards of personal conduct from officers."

He added that inspectors' criticisms of prisoner education were being addressed with new staff and a "more relevant" curriculum.

Prison Service chief Martin Narey said: "I am pleased the chief inspector has recognised the 'Portland Way' is a thing of the past. The governor and staff can take pride in the progress they have made."