PRISONERS and prison officers hope to bring some festive cheer to Jurby with the distribution of 15 Christmas hampers to elderly people living in the village.

The hampers are the result of the second Christmas Hamper Appeal, launched at the prison in October this year.

Many prisoners chose to make regular cash donations to the appeal from their own funds, money which they earn or receive from friends or relatives.

Additionally, prison officers, staff and visitors made generous contributions.

The appeal was co-ordinated by Deputy Governor Colin Ring who said: "I really hoped we could increase the number of hampers this year and thanks to the generosity of prisoners and everyone concerned we have managed to fill 15 hampers, two more than in 2009.

"The hampers were decorated by prisoners and put together by Helen Ring from the prison administration team. Each hamper includes a Christmas card, handmade by prisoners."

Mr Ring added: "I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the prison and the desire to put something back into the community.

"The response to this has been wonderful. It has been a very worthwhile appeal and something we hope to build on year on year."

The hampers were handed over to Jurby’s Assistant Community Development Worker Julie King who will distribute them to Jurby residents today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday).

Left to right: Helen Ring (Prison Admin), Deputy Governor Colin Ring, Julie King, Jurby's Assistant Community Development Manager (Isle of Man Children's Centre), Janet Bailey, Community Development Manager (Isle of Man Children's Centre) and Prison Officer Maggie Rough