by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Prisoners got to show of their skating skills on a hired ice rink in a day long contest dubbed by staff as ‘Dancing Con Ice.’

The young convicts at Medway Secure Training Centre in Rochester took part in the event two weeks ago after Rebound - the private contractors who run the unit for the Home Office, hired a 3,300 square foot rink as a treat for inmates at a cost of £800.

A national newspaper claimed taxpayers footed the bill but Rebound insists that isn’t the case.

A spokesperson for Rebound said: "It was not paid for by using taxpayer’s money. It came from bottom line money from the business.

"Any money we make we can recoup and put it back in to the business and this was one of those.

"The activities help build self-esteem. It gives them something to think about and gives them an idea of what life without crime could be like."

The training centre hit the headlines last year when it was revealed inmates enjoyed a weekend long Hawaiian party.