Prison is not the merriest of places to spend Christmas but officials are doing their best to bring a touch of festive cheer and make the day as happy as possible for their `guests'.

This year, however, with the recession beginning to bite, this task has been made harder by Government spending restraints and a general lack of response from the public and businesses, who in the past have made generous contributions.

"This year, we have had to rely on the churches and carol singing for entertainment. Probably, money is tighter all round, but we haven't had bands and groups volunteering their services this time around as they have in the past. So that's been a bit of a disappointment. And we have always been able to rely on businesses who supply us all year to be very generous at Christmas time. We use their contributions to provide prizes for games and competitions on Christmas Day. Three years ago, I could have filled a room with the gifts we got, but we are given less and less these days. Maybe more charitable organisations are asking for help,'' says vocational and recreation officer, Mr. Allen Richardson.

Prison officials, mindful that Christmas can be an emotional time for inmates and their families, ease visiting rules and allow families and close friends to make pre-arranged visits. Gifts of food and simple presents, such as toiletries and books, are also allowed.

Commissioner Edward Dyer says that special holiday arrangements have been made at all three facilities -- Casemates, the Prison Farm and the Women's Prison -- with a special menu planned for Christmas Day.

"The main meal will be served in the evening, but for breakfast, there will be a choice of pancakes, eggs, sausages, toast, juice and tea or coffee. Lunch is always a light meal, so that will be tuna salad or sandwiches. But we will have all the party fare for Christmas dinner, with turkey, ham, farine pie, stuffing and gravy, macaroni and cheese, beans and carrots and iced tea. Then there will be a snack later on -- probably cake and ice cream.'' Commissioner Dyer says the atmosphere is always relaxed a little on Christmas Day, with staff wearing civilian clothes, rather than uniform.

"We don't relax the security, but we try to relax our image a bit. We play games such as checkers, cards, monopoly, and sports competitions and the staff all join in,'' he said.

Prisons, of course, are a 24-hour operation, so all staff have to work on public holidays, but Commissioner Dyer says that they all take turns. "Shifts cover half a day, so staff are able to spend either the morning or evening at home with their families.'' For new and first-time prisoners, Christmas is bound to be an especially difficult time. Mr. Richardson says that he and his colleagues are always aware of this. "We try to do our best for these chaps. Of course, most of the inmates are quite tough and resilient and I do believe they realise that we are operating with manpower restraints. I know they really do appreciate the things that are brought in for them at Christmas.'' It seems they are not quite so understanding, though, about the entertainment provided.

Mr. Richardson said: "The Prison Department -- and I -- get a lot of flak from these guys when we don't come up with bands to entertain them. They blame us. They don't see me on the telephone, leaving messages all over the place. I think a lot of bands can no longer give their services free, but the prisoners can't see that. All they see is that there's no band!'' He is hoping that the new facilities, where particular emphasis will be placed on rehabilitation, will improve the situation.

"In the past, we have concentrated on a custodial policy and that hasn't worked. I think there needs to be much more emphasis on rehabilitating people.

Prison, in itself, achieves nothing for most people. I know there are some people who cannot be helped to help themselves, but the vast majority do benefit. And it is up to society to at least provide the opportunity.'' Mr. Richardson says he would welcome hearing from any bands or groups who may have an hour or so to spare over the Christmas/New Year period to contact him at Prison Headquarters.

"The main meal will be served in the evening, but for breakfast, there will be a choice of pancakes, eggs, sausages, toast, juice and tea or coffee. Lunch is always a light meal, so that will be tuna salad or sandwiches. But we will have all the party fare for Christmas dinner, with turkey, ham, farine pie, stuffing and gravy, macaroni and cheese, beans and carrots and iced tea. Then there will be a snack later on -- probably cake and ice cream.'' CHRISTMAS BEHIND BARS -- Almost 260 people will spend this Christmas in prison. But prison officials are doing their best to make their Christmas Day as happy as possible.