A prisons inspector has called for more improvements at a troubled young offenders' institute still in "intensive care".

Two serious assaults have been made on staff at Cookham Wood Young Offenders' Institute, in Rochester, since the latest unannounced inspection, it was revealed this week.

There had been a further three serious assaults on staff prior to an inspection last October , when it was described as "seriously unsafe".

Although improvements have been made it should remain under "intensive care" according to the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Nick Hardwick.

Mr Hardwick said: "Cookham Wood may be off the critical list, but it should remain in intensive care and needs intelligent support if that progress is to be sustained.

"The establishment is safer than it was when we carried out our last inspection, but staff and management need support and stability to build on that to deliver consistently effective relationships with young people."

The former women's prison admitted its first young male prisoner in May 2008 and was inspected the following year when it was called a "frightening and unsafe" place for young people.

Inspectors found broken windows and damaged fittings caused through vandalism as well as young people hiding in their cells.

Despite the problems, the Prisons Inspectorate said better strategies have been put in place to combat bullying and health care is good, among a number of other improvements.

For the full story see Friday's Medway Messenger.