A beleagured open prison is appealing for recruits to help tackle its difficulties.

Ford Open Prison's independent monitoring board (IMB) needs fresh volunteers to help inspect the jail near Arundel and monitor how inmates are being treated.

The prison has been criticised by warders and MPs after reports of inmates smuggling in alcohol and drugs or walking out and not returning.

The Argus revealed last month how Ford had one of the worst records in the country for the number of convicts still on the run up to five years after escaping.

A total of 51 prisoners have not been recaptured after fleeing the jail near Littlehampton since 1998.

Last year, 91 inmates absconded from the 114-acre site - higher than in any of the previous four years.

A Ford warder told The Argus how "booze runs" were carried out several times a day, with inmates clambering over a dilapidated fence and tramping along riverbanks to a Tesco store in Littlehampton.

Bognor and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb called for an urgent investigation from Home Secretary David Blunkett, who admitted there were problems.

Members of the IMB are appointed by the Home Secretary and serve initially for a period of three years.

They get to see prisoners' living conditions, visit kitchens and serving areas and discuss any concerns with staff.

Pauline Allen, chairwoman of the Ford IMB, said: "Membership of the board offers a personal development opportunity for members as well as helping them play a valuable and essential role in the community."

Famous former Ford inmates include ex-footballer George Best and shamed Conservative politician Jonathan Aitken.

For more details, call 01903 663000 ext 3040, email imb@bov-secretariat.demon.co.uk, or write to The Clerk, Independent Monitoring Board, HMP Ford, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0BX.