A STRETCH in prison has certainly taught mum-of-two Julie Openshaw a lesson.

When she arrived at Styal jail in April she had difficulty reading and writing and was baffled by sums.

But for the past nine months, 43-year-old Julie has been concentrating on her studies. And she says the experience - where skills are taught through cookery, crafts and traditional study - will help her build a new life on her release in July.

The former care assistant is hoping to secure a job as a receptionist and now has hope for her future.

''Being in prison has given me this chance to start again,'' said Julie, of north Wales, who was jailed for supplying amphetamines.

More than 120 inmates are taking full or part-time courses.

The study programmes, which are over-subscribed, are run by Manchester City College, which operates similar schemes at several prisons nationwide.

Chris Frost, City College's director of prison education, says initial experiences of school may mean inmates are reluctant to return to the classroom once in prison.

But by raising basic levels of literacy and numeracy, he says job prospects should be improved - thus reducing levels of re-offending.

''The evidence is that getting a job is actually very effective in reducing offending,'' said Mr Frost.

''That may sound obvious, but it is only recently that there has been evidence to demonstrate it. In itself education doesn't reduce crime but education and training can enhance job prospects. Prison education is very much a high priority because it's part of central government targets of engaging with the disaffected learner and those that have not accessed employment and have a low skills base.

''The prison service has developed tremendously over the past three years, particularly sentence management.''

When an inmate arrives in prison he or she will agree a programme to boost their skills level. Some programmes include anger management, tackling alcoholism and behavioural development.

Annick Platt, acting education manager at the prison, said: ''People are less likely to offend if they have a job and to get a job they have to raise their educational standards.''