Up to 50 jobs are promised in a major expansion of HMP Stocken.

The employment boost has been revealed by Rutland MP Alicia Kearns today as she welcomed the investment to the district.

The expansion was announced by central government on Tuesday, as reported by Nub News.

The MP said HMP Stocken provides the first 206 spaces of the Government's commitment to build 10,000 new, modern, decent and safe places with the successful opening of the Newton wing last June.

In light of this initiative's success, HMP Stocken has been earmarked for further investment, Mrs Kearns continued.

Not only will the new wing be the most modern construction that HMPPS has to offer but will create an additional 40-50 permanent jobs for the local community.

Modern workshops and classrooms will also be created that teach prisoners employability skills and foster an ethos of work and learning for inmates.

The MP commented: " This investment rightly recognises the immensely hard work and success of HMP Stocken's team and the leadership of the Governor Neil Thomas. Having visited Stocken and witnessed their outstanding programme first hand, I am delighted that this funding will allow the Prison to change many more lives.

"Our Prison Officers truly are unsung heroes and I will continue my work to ensure tougher prison sentences for attacks on our hard-working Prison Officers, such as those I met at HMP Stocken.

"I very much look forward to attending the opening of the new block and celebrating the opportunities this investment brings to our area."

HMP Stocken Governor, Neil Thomas, said: " For the prison we will be providing modern, safe and decent spaces that support an ethos of work and learning, ultimately that creates better citizens and reduces reoffending.

"For the community it brings employment and important support for the local businesses that supply us. It will generate more jobs for the local community at a time when employment is under strain, it's also a big vote of confidence in the prisons ability to deliver more prison places for the Government.

"For many years young people have had to look further afield for careers in what is a predominantly rural community. I do hope that everyone will consider HMP Stocken as a career of first choice, as an opportunity to play their part in changing lives and to live and work in Rutland and Stamford."

The new block is set to open in late 2023 and will not be visible from the road.