PRISONERS on Portland have presented toys and Easter eggs to disadvantaged children.

Organisers Dave Smith and Dave Cant of Nelson Wing at Portland Young Offender’s Institution (YOI), which houses adult inmates, have been encouraging fellow prisoners to collect tokens and donate money to the Outlooks Children’s Centre.

The men, along with Alex Ungureanu, who made refreshments for prisoners, staff and guests at the presentation, donated almost £300 to the centre, as well as toys and chocolate eggs.

Teresa Bowden, centre lead at the children’s centre on Castle Road, said: “It’s really lovely of them to give their time and money to help us.

“We heard about it at the end of last year, when one of the prison officers contacted us to see if we would be interested in receiving the money.”

She added: “We had no idea that they would manage to raise so much. They don’t earn a lot of money, so this is a large amount for them, and it’s such a kind thing to do.”

Mrs Bowden and her colleague Sharon Neal, an outreach worker, will consult with parents who use the centre’s facilities to discuss what the money will be spent on.

The prisoners began collecting newspaper tokens before Christ-mas at the suggestion of prison officer Kara Swann, and, when they had enough, exchanged them for toys.

Dave Cant, a father and grand-father, said: “Once we had the toys in exchange for the tokens we came up with the idea to have a collection for some Easter eggs to go with them.

“I thought we’d only raise about £40, but it just spiralled. I was quite surprised and proud when I found out the total.

“I’m a local man myself, and I know it’s going to make a difference.”

Miss Swann said it was the first time fundraising had taken place on such a scale at the YOI.

She said: “A lot of our inmates on our adult wing have children themselves, and they really got behind this idea.

“It’s beneficial for them to do something for the local, outside community, and I’m pleased they’ve taken it so seriously.”

The inmates said the fundraising was something they looked forward to continuing in the future.

Dave Smith, a father of 10, said: “I think the total amount we raised is amazing and I’m really proud to have been a part of it.

“We’re looking at doing a collection every couple of months now, and maybe doing a sponsored run or row down in the gym.

“It’s all about the little things that add up.”