PLANS to improve safety at a Hampshire prison have been given the green light.

The Ministry of Justice's plans to build a smoke control system at HMP Winchester were given approval by planners at Winchester City Council.

The system aims to minimise the spread of smoke and ensure prison staff can attempt first aid, firefighting and attempt to rescue a prisoner from a cell - before firefighters arrive.

The plans will mean that prison officers are less likely to face heavy smoke in a corridor or cell.

Should a fire happen the proposed measures also include an in-cell misting system, which means water is released in the affected cell to help contain and put out a fire.