Prisoners at HMP Whitemoor have raised £330 to help a charity buy Christmas presents for children living in poverty in the March, Whittlesey and Wisbech areas.

Fenland charity Christians Against Poverty will be hosting Christmas parties at the Baptist churches in March and Wisbech where presents will be given to underprivileged children.

They work in partnership with Centenary Baptist church March to help people break free from spiralling debt problems. This summer, prisoners bought food from the prison shop to donate to people in urgent need of food during the early days of being assisted out of debt.

Centre manager Sue Bradshaw said: “I am absolutely bowled over by the kindness and generosity of these inmates.

“It’s great that they have shown such Christmas spirit by raising money to buy gifts for children in need.

“The clients that we work with are often really struggling to provide even the basics for themselves and their families.

“This donation will help to make Christmas really special for the children whose parents are up against it.”

Anyone needing debt help should call CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit www.capuk.org

Prisoners can earn wages while they are in custody. Prisoner wages include an ‘unemployment rate’ and there are different rates of pay for different jobs and activities.

A typical weekly wage is £4 and earnings can be spent on canteen (weekly purchase of selected items such as tobacco, snack foods, toiletries), telephone calls, hobbies, and so on.