A Suffolk prison has been called "one of the most impressive in the country" by the prison service's top inspector.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor visited Hollesley Bay between April 3 and 19 this year and praised the leadership in the prison.

The East Suffolk site is a Category D open environment prison focused on the rehabilitation of inmates. 

At the time of the review, the prison had 627 men, with whom the prison was building trust and offering valuable advice according to the inspector.

The inspector said Hollesley Bay had "some of the better run workshops" seen in his time as chief inspector.

In the report, he wrote: "The offender management unit was staffed by an impressive team who worked hard to support prisoners to progress through the end of their sentences.

"Unlike in other prisons, they allowed prisoners to drop in and ask for help."

The inspector was impressed that 20% of inmates were working outside the prison every day.The inspector was impressed that 20% of inmates were working outside the prison every day. (Image: Archant)

He was also impressed by the fact that 20% of prisoners were going to work outside the jail every day. 

He believes this has to do with the leadership at Hollesley Bay, who were scrutinising themselves, exploring different ideas and addressing concerns of protected prison groups. 

"Under the excellent leadership of a thoughtful, innovative governor and his strong team this safe, decent establishment had become one of the most impressive in the country," Mr Taylor wrote. 

However, he added that often prisoners did not have much to do in the evenings and weekends and were not allowed to play ball games in the courtyard without supervision. 

The inspector felt this was "excessively cautious in a jail where prisoners could learn to drive a forklift truck and would soon be able to pass their HGV licence".

He added that although the shop and kitchen were well-equipped, some prisoners received incorrect orders from the shop and did not like the quality of the food.

Overall Hollesley Bay was rated the top grade of good in three of four categories and reasonably good when it came to purposeful activities.

Finally, Mr Taylor said that the governor, his team and the prisoners should be proud of their achievements at Hollesley Bay where skills are being taught to help prisoners stay out of trouble upon release.