Prisoners have won two annual passes to Leeds Castle after scooping top prize in a council's gardening competition – but will not be able to use them.

Inmates at HMP Maidstone won the Best Community Project for a second year in a row as part of the annual Maidstone in Bloom contest.

Winners in eight categories were given a £25 Coolings gift voucher and two annual passes to Leeds Castle.

However, the prisoners will not be able to use their winnings themselves, or visit the popular attraction, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed.

Instead, the £25 gift voucher will be reinvested into gardens at the County Road jail for their next project.

Work from the prisoners was described as "remarkable" by head judge Neil Jackson, who praised the positive effect the competition had on inmates.

He said: "The key message, that we in horticulture have known for years, is that there are fewer antisocial problems where there is a more beautiful environment filled with plants.

"There is less stress and tension, and HMP Maidstone has the lowest rate of violence in the UK, which maybe is evidence of this.

"There are also studies which suggest a strong link between mental wellbeing and working with soil, compost and plants.

"In essence work is done by a party of inmates under the supervision of a horticultural officer."

Inmates at HMP Maidstone have access to a horticultural unit inside the prison walls where they sow seeds. They also have planted up areas of the exercise yard and borders and troughs around the prison.

There is also a reflection and quiet space which serves as a wild area with grasses and wildflowers sown by prisoners.

"I know how much hard work, time and effort goes into creating a stunning garden..."

Mr Jackson added: "Given the circumstances that bring young men to HMP Maidstone and the issues that can arise within a prison, the work at HMP Maidstone is remarkable and the effect on the inmates worthy of commendation."

Maidstone Borough Council's lead member for communities and engagement, Cllr Lottie Parfitt Reid, said: “We had almost 60 entries from all across the borough this year which is tremendous for only our second year of running the competition and each one of those did a fantastic job.

“Every entry helps makes our borough a better place to live and work for everyone. Hopefully in the future it might be possible for Maidstone to progress and enter the South In Bloom competition to showcase community efforts and parks as well.”

MBC worked with Coolings garden centre, which has branches in Knockholt and Bearsted, and Leeds Castle to host the competition, which ran from April 21 to July 1.

Judges inspected all entries during July against a high criteria which is developed by the London Garden Society and the winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the beginning of the month.

The full list of winners include:

• Best front garden – Joyce and Tony Swait, East Farleigh

• Best back garden – Gareth George, Bearsted

• Best planted pot, trough or hanging basket – Rob Carter, Bearsted

• Best allotment – Higgins family, Maidstone

• Best pollinator friendly garden – Elizabeth Caldwell, Vinters Park

• Best display of Jubilee colours – Barbara Incledon – Harrietsham

• Best commercial garden or horticultural display – Turkey Mill, Maidstone

• Best community project – HM Prison, Maidstone

Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Derek Mortimer gave out the prizes.

He said: “I know how much hard work, time and effort goes into creating a stunning garden so I want to say a special thank you to everyone who entered.

"It was an absolute honour to meet all the hardworking gardeners and award everyone their prizes. Well done to you all.”

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Projects like this help prisoners gain skills to enhance their employment opportunities, which helps reduce re-offending and protects the public.”