HMP BELMARSH in Thamesmead has become one of the first prisons in the country to set up a learning scheme for prison officers.

The institution, on Western Way, has joined hands with Lewisham College to provide on-site tuition in computer science and other subjects.

MP Ivan Lewis, parliamentary under secretary for young people and learning, attended the launch of the scheme, with Lewisham College principal Ruth Silver and Prison Service personnel director Gareth Hadley.

Mr Lewis spoke on the advantages of the learning centre and presented certificates to the first successful students, who have been studying over the past three months.

A Belmarsh spokesman said: “Eventually, each prison will have a learning centre. We’re one of the first to take advantage of this scheme.

“The point is to provide an easily accessible educational facility where prison officers can learn new skills to help them perform their jobs.

“Take-up so far has been very encouraging.”