IN a young offenders institute, residents can enjoy the use of a plasma TV and fish tank - that's what a new report has revealed.

Youngsters coming straight from court into Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, pictured right, have these new facilities, while other areas of the open prison need upgrading.

This is according to a report published by the Independent Monitoring Board this week.

It states that other units would benefit from upgrading.

A spokesman for the IMB said: "Thorn Cross is well run and has excellent dedicated staff who care for the detainees in a fair and decent way."

But while praising the Arley Road YOI for educational excellence, the report did point out some shortfalls.

It commented on the frequent changes in governor at the institute and on a lack of intensive alcohol treatment programmes for youngsters with problems. Another issue was the difficulty Thorn Cross YOI had in getting the immigration status of foreign residents due to a bad response from the immigration and national board.

Thorn Cross YOI officials were unavailable for comment on the report's findings as the Warrington Guardian went to press.