Motoring and cycling retailer Halfords has hired former female prisoners who signed up to the Halfords Academy training scheme while serving their sentences.

The scheme was launched last year in HMP Drake Hall in Stafford and trained prisoners who wanted to be bike mechanics.

During the programme inmates had the chance to recondition bikes which would then be donated to children in primary schools.

Halfords announced that two women have already been hired following their release and a further two will join imminently, with more expected.

“We’re really proud of the progress we’ve seen at Halfords Academy at Drake Hall in its first year,” Halfords group people director Jonathan Crookall said.

“We believe that projects like Drake Hall are a real win-win for businesses and local communities alike – the more productive people are whilst in prison, the more they can learn and the better their chances of succeeding once they leave.

“We’re not just talking about prisoners, we’re talking about people who have a huge amount of potential and skills, and above all, it’s about changing people’s lives and giving them a second chance.

“We’d really encourage other businesses to consider supporting offender rehabilitation and of course we’d invite them to get in touch with us and we’d be delighted to showcase our work.”

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