A NEW altar is due to be blessed at Dartmoor Prison, thanks to hard work by two of the prisoners at the Princetown gaol. Richard and Lee used newly gained skills in woodwork and design to construct the altar, which has been placed in the prison chapel. Graham Verrall, head of resettlement at Dartmoor, said: ?The chapel desperately needed a new altar for the ecumenical services. ?It is a tribute both to the prisoners and their instructors,who have been able to demonstrate the students? newly acquired skills in such an innovative manner.? Mr Verrall said the Dartmoor chaplains were ?extremely happy? with the altar ? particularly with the ?immensely high? quality of the finished product. ?The governor is highly impressed in the skills, enthusiasm and commitment shown by all involved,? said Mr Verrall. Instructor Garry Pethick has praised Richard and Lee for their workmanship and the effort they put into the project. Inmates at Dartmoor can take part in practical courses in woodwork where they can achieve real skills and qualifications, which can lead to employment on release. The prison also offers NVQ levels one and two in furniture production operations and assembled furniture production. The altar was blessed in a joint ceremony led by members of the joint chaplaincy team at Dartmoor Prison.
