LANCASTER Farms is up for sale as part of Government plans to make prison service fit for the modern era.

The farm section of the young offenders' institute is on the market as part of a nationwide programme aimed at revolutionising the service.

The sell-off is part of a modernisation programme, which is due to be completed by April next year.

It will see the phasing out of all arable land and most dairy farms connected to prisons and a move towards horticultural work.

It means the sale of 2,778 acres of land nationwide and the closure of 23 prison farms.

A spokesman for the prison service says: "The number of prisoners needed to work farms just isn't there. A number of the farms are now attached to closed prisons while home detention curfew has been a significant factor."

The prison will not be affected by the sale.