A PRISONER, who has been locked up eight times for burglary related crimes, has said he will be "totally rehabilitated" by the time of his release.

Liam Duggan was sent to HM Prison Wymott, Ulnes Walton Lane, Leyland, 16 months ago when he was convicted of burglary and possession of firearms in the Moss Side area of Manchester.

The 32-year-old said: "I've still got 18 months to serve but the best thing is I'm trying to progress. I've just finished an English course which also helped me with social skills and I really think I will be totally rehabilitated when I leave."

His words come after a report, released yesterday by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons, which praised the Category C institution.

In 2001 the jail was subjected to the Prison Service's performance improvement process because it was not performing to its full potential. New management was brought in, including Alan Scott, governor since May 2002, to rectify the situation.

Mr Scott has introduced a reasoning and rehabilitation programme and sex offender treatment programmes which are accredited and co-ordinated through the psychology department.

And in a Prison Service improvement league the jail has gone from 113th to 12th, out of 139 institutions across in the country.

Anne Owers, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: "Overall Wymott is a good and well-managed prison, providing work for almost all its prisoners, and moving ahead swiftly on the resettlement agenda."

Initiatives have started with outside companies like gas company, Transco, which provides on-the-job training, leading to post-sentence employment for some prisoners.

But the report states there is still room for improvement with staff being recommended to "engage more positively with prisoners" after two thirds said they were rarely spoken to out of their cells.

It also encouraged officers to challenge sex offenders who still deny their offences and to strengthen its anti-bullying policies.

Two new wings, costing £3million, will also be opened this week to address the national problem of overcrowding in prisons. The rooms have en-suite toilets, sinks and televisions.

Mr Scott, who has worked for the Prison Service since 1983, said: "By providing a decent environment for the prisoner it will be more conducive to their rehabilitation. I'm pleased with the report and acknowledge there are issues that still need to be addressed.

"But to go from 113th in the country to 12th is something to be proud of."