The Koestler Trust has been awarding, exhibiting and selling artworks by offenders, detainees and secure patients for 47 years.

Their yearly award receives over 5,000 entries a year - inspiring offenders to take part in the arts, work for achievement and transform their lives. The Koestler's national exhibition attracts 10,000 visitors - showing the public the talent and potential of offenders and people in secure settings.

Every year, a number of our Fine Cell Work stitchers enter items that they have designed and handstitched in their cells. This year we were delighted when one of our inmates received the Kenneth Harper Gold Award for his needlepoint map of the British Isles (pictured below).

Another prisoner was awarded the Worshipful Company of Weavers Highly Commended Award for Soft Furnishings for his "Recycled Jack" cushion. Both of these entries are shown here alongside several which did not win prizes but none the less deserve to be shown for the skill and creativity shown by the makers.

The Koestler Trust's Annual Exhibition runs from 21 October - 6 December at the Southbank Centre, it is open daily 10am - 11pm. Admission is free. More information about the Koestler Trust and their work can be found at http://koestlertrust.org.uk/