Dartmoor had been described as 'the prison that time forgot'

A new report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons welcomed positive changes at the jail but said it was still struggling to get to grips with its role as a category C facility.

In 2001 the Chief Inspector of Prisons severely criticised Dartmoor describing it as a "prison living in its own past".

This latest inspection has found significant improvements.

Culture of intimidation

The report confirms Dartmoor is a visibly different prison and welcomes the changes made.

It says the jail is less oppressive, with a less "over controlled atmosphere".

The prison had been condemned for treating inmates like dangerous animals amid a culture of over-control and intimidation.

But since the last report steps have been taken to improve race relations and facilities for employment.

The prison has now reopened a workshop and will be improving training in areas such as bricklaying and carpentry.

And the prison's segregation unit with its cage and pens has been replaced by a new resettlement unit.

There is also the possibility of a new unit to deal with sex offenders.