THE Board of Visitors at Thorn Cross Young Offenders' Institution is looking for new members to join its ranks.

Applications are invited from people from all walks of life, irrespective of gender or social or ethnic background, although they should be at least 18.

Board members have access to the institution at any time and are able to visit all areas.

Members must be satisfied that the premises are kept in order, that the administration is carried out correctly by staff and that inmates are treated humanely. Thorn Cross, in Appleton Thorn, houses juveniles aged 15 to 17 and also young offenders aged 18 to 21.

The work of board members takes up about three days a month. They also attend a board meeting once a month and should ideally live within 20 to 30 miles of Thorn Cross.

To find out more about board membership, write to Ronald Cole, Board of Visitors chairman, HMYOI Thorn Cross, Arley Road, Appleton Thorn, Warrington, WA4 4RL.

The establishment has been nominated for the Charter Mark award for public service.

It received a glowing report from Prisons Minister Joyce Quin following her visit last month. The Home Office report said Thorn Cross was clean with a cheerful prisoner population whose relations with staff are friendly. There was little evidence of bullying and the staff showed enthusiasm and commitment.

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