INMATES from the Young Offenders Institution on Portland have ‘given something back’ to the community of Dorchester.

The young offenders got out their paint brushes and their gardening tools in an effort to help complete maintenance work at the county town’s Rugby club.

A total of 20 inmates helped with gardening, cleaning, DIY and decorating at the Dorchester Rugby Club in Coburg Road.

One of the coaches at the club, Martin Peel, who is also a senior activities officer at the YOI, helped to organise the community work with prison officer Dan Cree.

Mr Peel said the inmates at the YOI regularly embark on community projects and as prison officer and a coach at the rugby club, he thought he could combine the two to benefit the prisoners and users of the club.

He added that some of the young offenders have also played for the Dorchester Rugby Club which made the community work relevant to them.

Mr Peel, who lives in Dorchester, said: “We needed a few jobs doing and for some of the offenders who have played at the club it must have felt like they were giving something back to the community and into the club they have played for.

“I think it’s good for them to get a sense of worth and belonging through giving something back.”

Mr Peel said the club requires maintenance work to be carried out every year and he was pleased he was able to combine this annual duty with helping the prisoners to contribute something towards the community.

He said: “The prisoners worked from 8.30am until 4pm for both days.

“It was a real success and they were all very enthusiastic about helping.

“They all put in a lot of effort.”