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A group of prisoners decided to undertake a full 26-mile marathon in the gym to raise money for the Samaritans, the local and national voluntary organisation which lends a sympathetic ear to people facing trouble in their lives.

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The Samaritans is one of many organisations involved with Armley prison.
The prisoners who took part in the marathon using static rowing machines and bicycles are from one of the prison's own voluntary groups – the Listeners.

Listeners are experienced prisoners who befriend first-time prisoners who are vulnerable to self-harm during the early days of their sentence.

Listeners act as both a sympathetic ear and a voice of experience to guide vulnerable prisoners, often sharing their cell.

The marathon started at 9am and ended about 3pm on Tuesday, September 9.

Charity fund-raising is just one aspect of a range of voluntary work carried out by prisoners – and also by staff – at Armley.

Others include the hosting of weekly gym sessions for children and young people with disabilities.