INMATES at Dartmoor Prison have released a live CD to celebrate the new Millennium.

'My Shackles are Gone' was recorded in the prison chapel and features the captive congregation singing contemporary hymns, as well as solo numbers written and performed by prisoners themselves.

The Rev Bill Birdwood, prison chaplain, said: 'At least three years ago we started a worship band with a group of prison inmates who were able to lead services, and we decided a while ago it would be nice to make a CD.

'We had to raise £3,000 towards the project and got a professional mobile recording studio to do it.'

The CD has just been released, coinciding with Prisons Week which runs from November 21 to November 28.

'We wanted to do something to mark the Millennium and also to show that the Christian faith is alive and well inside the walls of the prison,' said Mr Birdwood.

'We know that many people are sceptical when prisoners "find God" so we have produced a CD of Christian songs to spread the good news.'

He said many inmates turn to God to give them the strength to change their lives.

'Many prisoners know that it's not walls and bars that hold them captive but chains around their heart — the chains of anger, drugs and despair,' he said.

About 40 inmates were involved in the production, plus three Exeter University students who regularly come to the prison.

In addition to the music, there is a five-minute testimony from one of the inmates.

Prisoner John, who has done prison sentences for drugs and violence, said: 'The only thing that has truly set me free from everything I was, is Jesus Christ.

'My mum and my girlfriend are amazed at how much I have changed.'

Mr Birdwood said the recording was done within about four days but it took longer time to 'mix and get right'.

'We think the end result is pretty good,' he said.

The £10 CD is available from Christian bookshops in Plymouth, Exeter and Launceston, from the Prison itself and at PO Box 382, Exeter.

Proceeds will go to Dartmoor Prison Chaplaincy Fund which supplied the production costs and originally purchased the inmates' instruments.