STAFF at Tardebigge First School estimate they have saved £1,000 thanks to a group of kind-hearted prisoners.

Inmates from Hewell Grange Open Prison in the village spent two weeks during the summer holidays working to improve the school grounds. They laid a path, worked on the fence and gates and paved a garden area.

The school paid for the materials but the labour was provided for free.

"We are very grateful. This has saved us more than £1,000," said head teacher Susan Helps.

"The work means that staff don't have to plough through a muddy field to get their PE equipment."