A watercolour entitled `Have Mercy' is a sure sign that prison isn't just about locking up criminals.

The piece, drawn by Westgate inmate Sheldon Franks, picked up second place in its category in the International Prisoners' Art Competition and Exhibition.

The event, held in Toronto, Canada, saw the Bermudian's creation competing against work drawn from the 105 countries of the Prison Fellowship International (PFI) with the painting earning a certificate and a cash prize.

Prison Commissioner John Prescod and Bermuda's PFI president Jack Harris attended the Toronto conference to collect the award on behalf of Franks.

The inmate is one of a number to have received training and encouragement in art through workshops run by the prison as part of their approach to cut recidivism and help re-integrate prisoners into society.

"Being creative is good but also they have to be disciplined. But we are proud of the achievements of this inmate and it reflects well on the programmes we are running in the facilities here.

"The restorative aspect of our programme is a key component in the total rehabilitation of a prisoner.

"When a prisoner walks out he needs help to prevent relapse - the PFI can help that."

Mr. Harris, who has been with the PFI for the 16 years it has been operating on the Island, believes Bermuda can operate as a model for other nations in terms of prisoner rehabilitation.

"They (the prisoners) have expressed themselves in the wrong way," said Mr. Harris.

"That is what crime is, an expression made the wrong way. This award proves that his man has talent. I'm delighted with the approach of the Department of Corrections in this. The object is that prisoners leave as a better person otherwise they are going to come back more hurtful to society.

"We can never protect society, we can only improve the individual."

As well as the art teaching in prison, the PFI helps with a number of other schemes including the groundbreaking Back to School programme - which helps by clothes for inmates' children.

So pioneering is the PFI's work here with Bermudian prisoners' offspring that Mr. Harris was asked to present a paper on the subject to the conference.

The watercolour, depicting a faceless man next to a rubbish bin, came with the following description by the inmate: "I'm not garbage, just a released inmate.

"My inspiration for the piece derives from my circumstances at present. It reminds me that though my burdens may be heavy, they are not the heaviest."