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The cash is the prisoners' way of saying "thankyou" to the branch for their involvement in a project at the prison aimed at protecting inmates from self-harm and suicide.

The Samaritans have been operating telephone hotlines in Leeds for more than 40 years.

But the volunteers is also a key part of a project to train a group of trusted prisoners as "Listeners".

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First-time admission to prison can be traumatic, and newcomers are most at risk of self-harm and suicide during their first days of incarceration.

Listeners are experienced prisoners whose role is to befriend newcomers and re-assure them and listen to their fears and problems.
Armley's prison population numbers 1,000. At any one time the prison has around 30 volunteer Listeners.

The prison service Listeners scheme operates nationwide, but only where a local branch of the Samaritans can provide training and support.
Leeds is one of the biggest Samaritan branches in the country, and one of the few which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Eight Listener prisoners at Armley decided to raise funds for the branch when they learned that Leeds Samaritans' headquarters in Clarendon Road at Woodhouse was in need of a new roof costing £7,000.
They organised a sponsored marathon in the prison gym.

Sponsorship came from fellow prisoners, members of the Listeners' team, Prison Officers and visitors to the prison.

Bob Howe, from Leeds Samaritans, who co-ordinates the Samaritan prison team, said: "I am delighted by the effort and enthusiasm shown by these Listeners

" They are volunteers who put their duty before their own personal issues, and have shown great support to Samaritans."
The money was handed over at the prison's multi-faith centre on Tuesday.