A Preston-based charity which helps prisoners get back into work has won an award.
Recycling Lives was praised for its ‘exceptional results’ in helping offender rehabilitation.
The Robin Corbett Award recognises outstanding work to help those released from prison and wanting to turn their lives around.
The Awards are named after Lord Robin Corbett, a long-serving MP who campaigned for penal reform.
The social enterprise, based in Essex Street and a number of other locations in the city, delivers the HMP Acadamies programme in 11 prisons.
Up to 250 men and women take part in its workshops, doing recycling or fabrication work to develop skills, earn an enhance wage and have secure work and house when they are released.
Read more: Recycling Lives wants its Longridge Road plant to run for longer
Less than five per cent of participants reoffend once they have taken part in the programme.
Chief executive of Recycling Lives Alasdair Jackson said: “It is always fantastic to win any award. To receive the Robin Corbett Award is particularly special as we are being recognised by experts in the prison field.
“Our team deserve all the credit as they leave no stone unturned to help the people we work with. However, the real winners are those men and women who have turned their lives around. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
The award comes with a prize of £5,000 which the charity is due to invest in developing support services for mental health and wellbeing.
Read more: Recycling Lives win Queen’s Award for a third time
Chairman of the judges Lady Val Corbett said: “Amongst some outstanding applications, Recycling Lives’ work and exceptional results meant the judges were unanimous in their decision.
“My husband Robin was resolute in his belief that prison should be an opportunity to make positive changes in individual’s lives. All three charities stand as outstanding examples.”