The report "Jail fails to keep a captive audience" (The Argus, January 14) might have made interesting reading to anyone who has no prior knowledge of Ford Prison or its inmates but it would also have given them a false view of what prison life is like.

Prisoners are not at liberty to come and go as they please and to suggest this is the case is pejorative and misleading.

I teach English at the education unit at Ford in a supply capacity and, as such, am employed not by the prison but by Northbrook College.

My students cannot choose to come to a lesson, although it takes place on site, but, having made the original choice, must appear or be reported for failure to do so.

The work I undertake is part of the rehabilitation programme.

It is also vital in terms of giving the inmates skills that will help equip them for their future life.

Without exception, all inmates I deal with are focused, willing and eager to learn. Please do not tarnish them with the all too common, reactionary label of "holiday camp" visitors.

-Robina Baine, Victoria Road, Southwick