Bedford prison and other 'challenging' jails to receive new intensive support

Bedford Prison is to get more staff, tougher airport-style security and enhanced training.

Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer has been touring the jail. The prison is one of the first in the country to benefit from the support plan, which aims to improve stability.

HMPs Wormwood Scrubs, Pentonville, Bristol, Hewell and Feltham will also receive the new intensive support programme.

HMP Bedford's governor has described it as one of the more difficult prisons he's worked at.

• Watch Emily Knight's report here:

The Prison Performance Support Programme (PPSP) replaces Special Measures, and will offer a significant package of tailored support managed from a dedicated operations room.

Read more:

• HMP Bedford unit "dungeon plagued with rats"

• Hi-tech scanners to be installed in prisons to stop smuggling

• "Insufficient" progress made at addressing safety issues at Bedford Prison