CELEBRITY guests were on hand at the launch of a new initiative at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute.

Warrington Wolves players, Jon Clarke and Logan Swann came along to open the event, along with Wolves chairman Lord Hoyle.

Thorn Cross' High Intensive Training Unit is an attempt to modernise the institute's preparation for releasing prisoners into society.

Those taking part in the scheme will have an initial two-week induction period during which they are assessed.

This assessment determines the method of rehabilitative support the inmates receive which is tailored towards each individual.

The unit's governor, Diane Cass said "A prisoner will only be placed on specialist programmes should they require it. If a lad requires anger management training they he shall receive it, on the other hand someone who doesn't need it, will not."

Thorn Cross prisoners will be asked what career path they would like to follow, and are assisted in helping achieve their goals, by providing training and work placements, before and after release from the institute.