Leyhill Open Prison in Gloucestershire has been criticised by inspectors for failing to prepare inmates for release.

The government's chief inspector of prisons, Anne Owers, visited the prison in September and concluded it had lost direction.

The report says too little is being done to help inmates get ready for the pressures of life outside.

It also says staff have no clear idea of their role.

But her report commends the new governor, Richard Booty, for the work he has done to turn the prison round since taking over 18 months ago.

The chief inspector says the fact that one of the country's best-known open prisons has been allowed to drift suggests lack of confidence in the role of such jails.

A number of inmates have used their training at the prison to take up careers in gardening.

The high-profile prison's entries in the Chelsea Flower Show inspired the film Greenfingers, starring Vinnie Jones and Anna Friel.