PEOPLE are being given a chance to experience life behind bars.

The Young Offender Institution (YOI) on Portland is opening its doors for the afternoon - to let people in.

Governor Steve Holland will lead a tour around the Victorian jail at the Grove on November 7 at 2.00pm as part of Inside Justice Week, a national initiative aimed at increasing people's knowledge of the criminal justice system.

From professionals working in police stations, prisons and courthouses to volunteers caring for victims of crime, all contribute to the criminal justice system in Dorset.

Their good work was recognised at the Dorset Justice Awards ceremony in Dorchester earlier this month.

Mr Holland, who was in charge of Dorchester Prison until his move to the island a year ago, is a firm supporter of open justice and has contributed regularly to debates about crime and prison overcrowding.

He is keen to show people the work going on at the YOI and is offering 10 people the chance to go on the tour.

Mr Holland said: "This prison tour will give the local community an excellent opportunity to take a closer look at Portland YOI.

"Many people's ideas of prisons will be made up from television shows and what they read in the media so it will be great to bring members of the public into our prison so that they can see for themselves what a real prison is really like."

The prison opened in 1848 and held adult convicts until 1921 when it was converted into a borstal. It has been a Young Offender Institution since 1988 and today holds more than 550 inmates aged between 18 and 21.

The prison was criticised in a report by the chief inspector of prisons earlier this year which suggested overcrowding was at the root of its problems.

A new accommodation block is currently being built.

If you would like to join the tour call the Dorset Criminal Justice Board support team on 01202 498827.