Troubled children are being given an unvarnished insight into the realities of life behind bars in a series of visits to a prison designed to steer them clear of crime.

Eight boys and girls aged between 11 and 15 have been taken on once-monthly visits to Lewes Prison in Lewes, East Sussex, to show them the tough truth of prison life.

Most of the children have been subject to acceptable behaviour contracts for low-level anti-social offences such as vandalism, graffiti and criminal damage.

The aim of the prison visits, organised by Arun District Council's anti-social behaviour team in West Sussex, is to expose the children to what may lie ahead if their offending continues.

During the visits, the youngsters are searched one by one, made to walk in line and led into the exercise yard and cells for a few moments. Talks are also given by inmates, including some serving life.

The council's anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Angela Hibbin said the results have been successful, with five out of the eight children staying clear of crime.

She said today: "The visits have provided them with a really good insight into what prison life is really like, and the shock to them seems to have worked.

"Our thinking is that if we can get them thinking young enough, then they will not fall into more serious levels of crime in the future."

Youth diversionary officer Laura Fullard said the visits have had an impact on the children's communities as the youths pass on their experiences to their peers.

She said: "The feedback that we have had is that the visits have stayed in their minds, and particularly the disgusting smells of the prison.

"It's hard-hitting for them but they get to appreciate what prison life is about. From the look on some of their faces, it seemed as if they wanted to cry.

"A lot of the children have said they never want to get into trouble again, and one 11-year-old girl came away afterwards saying she wanted to become a police officer."

Officials are hoping to develop the scheme by also arranging visits to women's prisons.

Do you think visits like this will help prevent young people from committing crime? Leave your comments below.