Donation made to the prison’s chosen charity as a thank you for the inmates’ insect and bird box creations.

The council has worked closely and developed a strong relationship with Stoke Heath prison and expressed its gratitude to the inmates for creating wildlife shelters from recycled wood.

The boxes have been distributed to local residents and schools, and put in the town cemetery and other public places. The boxes have helped the council meet its biodiversity policy, so a donation has been made to the prison’s chosen charity: Lingen Davies Trust.

He bird, insect and bat boxes They were given to city residents free of charge. However, residents were asked if they wanted to make a small donation, if they were able to do so.

Fundraising for the charity continues but councilors and Stoke Heath Prison governor Mark Greenhaf met with representatives from Linden Davies on Friday to present a check and hand over the donation.

Mr Greenhaf said: “I had the pleasure of attending the presentation of a check to Anna Williams of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund by the Mayor, Councilor Roy Aldcroft, and Deputy Mayor, Councilor Tim Manton, of Drayton Market City hall.

“Stoke Heath Prison has been supporting the council by donating bird, bat and insect boxes made by prisoners from waste wood to support its biodiversity strategy.

“It has been fantastic to continue the excellent relationship with the council in this way. Matt Robinson, biodiversity lead within the prison, has developed this initiative, a great example of the prison’s support for our local community.

“The prison has adopted Lingen Davies as our chosen charity, raising money for them throughout this year. It is fantastic that the council has donated money to Lingen Davies in recognition of our charitable work in supporting the council to care for the atmosphere.

“The prison has a very strong and positive relationship with the council and I will continue to support them and the local area as a community prison.”

Stoke Heath Prison will have its first stall at the city’s Festival of Lights next month, November 16, selling recycled wooden Christmas items. All proceeds will go to the Lingen Davies Trust.

Deputy Mayor and Councilor Tim Manton added: “It was a huge pleasure for the council to donate £250 to such a worthy charity in Lingen Davies.

“On behalf of Stoke Heath, the council received the boxes and, as part of the council’s recently launched Biodiversity Policy, installed them on most of the council’s properties.

“The council also agreed to promote and organize the distribution of the boxes to any member of the public who would like one, along with all schools in Market Drayton, best of all free of charge, with a small donation requested if and only if possible for do it.

“The project has been an immense success and it is a pleasure to make the donation to Lingen Davies, which is Stoke Heath’s chosen charity.

“I would like to thank the inmates and staff at Stoke Heath for their incredible efforts in contributing to the community.”