Prisoners in collection for the victims

Inmates on Block One of the prison - who earn as little as 1.50 per day - have donated nearly 200 to flood fund-raiser Ray Surgey's campaign to help out the people of Bentley and Toll Bar, whose homes have been destroyed.

"It's really heartwarming to see that people who have very little themselves are prepared to make a sacrifice to help out others. I was really touched when I heard about the donation," said Ray.

Marshgate's deputy director Steve Hewer said: "Though the lads here really don't have much to live on, they donate a significant amount to quite a lot of charities. It's really very good of them."

Marshgate staff have also been raising money to help colleagues who were affected by the floods - 300 was raised in a whip-round to help out the 11 members of staff whose homes were waterlogged. Prisoner governor Brian Anderson also authorised a donation of 5,000 from Serco - the company that runs the prison - and cheques for 500 were also issued to all 11 affected employees.

Mr Hewer said: "The money all went into the staff benevolent fund - it's nice to be able to help out colleagues who find themselves in dire straits through no fault of their own."

He added: "In addition to the money raised we also donated a substantial amount of cleaning materials to the collection set up by Kirkby Avenue School, to help local people.

"Marshgate's very close to one of the Bentley areas that was badly affected and it's good to be able to lend a hand to our neighbours."