The only UK prison offering offenders a chance to work towards becoming certified forklift drivers when released has received a boost.

The Norman Gill Charitable Trust of Leicester, run by property developer Norman Gill, has donated a new forklift to the Glen Parva Young Offenders Institute that will be used by inmates on a two-week forklift course, Leicester Mercury reported.

David Summerton, the prison's head of learning and skills, says the forklift will make a big difference.

"This gives the course a boost and the prisoners a chance of getting a job on the outside, reducing re-offending," he said.

Thomas Kane from Nottingham, who is approaching the end of his sentence for robbery, has tried the forklift.

"Hopefully, this will get me a job when I am released. It is an expensive course to do on the outside," the 18-year-old said.

About 150 prisoners have taken the forklift course since 2005.