Prisons Commissioner Edward Dyer has backed an inmates' scheme to better themselves saying it could soon get off the ground.

Four prisoners, including recently released lawyer Charles Vaucrosson, were trying to start RISE -- Reformed Inmates Striving for Excellence -- but the project was in danger of floundering in red tape.

Last night Mr. Dyer said there were still some problems to overcome, but he added that the project was a good idea.

"There were a few things that we had not budgeted for, for instance they wanted to publish and distribute a newsletter.

"But the objectives of the group are good and we will be trying to get it off the ground. It is a question of getting the bits and pieces sorted out,'' added Mr. Dyer.

Mr. Vaucrosson, who was released from Westgate just before Christmas, former Supreme Court clerk Shawn Crockwell as well as Charles Richardson and Milton Watson, were trying to establish RISE in the prison.

It is meant to provide "internal rehabilitation of prisoners by prisoners themselves'' and improve inmates' approach to incarceration.

Plans by the group include television commercials and school visits, featuring inmates talking about the horrors of drugs and prison life.

RISE would also encourage inmates to read at least one book a month in an effort to improve education.

And it would encourage inmates to follow the rules of the prison while all the time seeking to improve themselves.

The organisation's biggest plan is to distribute a monthly newsletter within Westgate -- after being screened by prison chiefs.

Articles would include features on model prisoners who deserved to be highlighted and congratulated.