Girl lags get free driving lessons

Women prisoners are being given free driving lessons worth £25,000.

All "low-risk" convicts at Drake Hall Prison, Staffs, are to be offered 10 lessons each once they have passed their theory test and got a provisional licence.

The courses are with the British School of Motoring and would normally cost £250. They are meant to help the prisoners find work when they are freed.

An officer at Drake Hall, which has 300 inmates, said: "It's amazing these women are being treated to free BSM driving lessons. What kind of deterrent is that? Commit a crime and learn how to drive for free."

The scheme is being led by the West Midlands Employers' Coalition, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Prisoners have also been given a hi-tech driving simulator.

A spokesman said: "This initiative is part of the drive to get people off benefits and into work."