DRUG use among prisoners at a jail near Bromsgrove is one of the highest in the country -- according to a league table.

The Prisons' League Table 1999-2000, published by the Prison Reform Trust, reveals the rate of positive drug testing at Blakenhurst prison, in Tardebigge, is 25.1 per cent.

Nearby Brockhill women's prison came close with 21.2 per cent while neighbouring Hewell Grange, an open prison, had a 15.3 per cent rate.

The table highlights the best and worst prisons in England and Wales and looks at a number of key performance indicators including overcrowding, cost and staff sickness.

Top of the league was Hewell Grange -- it is one of the safest prisons in the country with a zero per cent assault rate on prisoners and staff.

But Blakenhurst, with a 13.4 per cent incident rate and Brockhill, with 11.8 per cent, were above the accepted target of nine per cent.

Hewell Grange also came out well thanks to the average number of hours prisoners spend on activities including education and training, employment in workshops, farms, kitchens and gardens, and rehabilitation, sport and religious activities.

But, prison bosses have defended their records after being named and shamed.

A spokesman for UK Dentention Services, which runs Blakenhurst Prison, said it was unfair to compare the three completely different establishments.

He said the assault and positive drug test rates for this year at the institution so far were both lower than in previous years.

"We will continue to do everything we can to reduce the availability of drugs."

A Prison Service spokesman, in charge of Brockhill and Hewell Grange, said it was fulfilling its main priority -- security.

He added: "We are working hard to keep drugs out and improve the daily regime."