AN unlikely collaboration between students and inmates at Winchester Prison is staging its third show.

Fourteen female undergraduates from the city's university are working with 15 prisoners to put on the musical Oh What a Lovely War.

Intensive eight-week rehearsals are reaching a peak with several shows inside the jail this week.

Some of the students are performing while others are helping inmates with their roles.

Annie McKean, a senior lecturer in drama at the university, said: "All the prison staff are fantastically supportive. They see the positive impact this has on the men. It improves self-confidence, communication skills, team-building and they have to take responsibility for their own actions."

The production is directed by Martin Constantine, who has previously directed at English National Opera, Bristol Old Vic, Chichester Festival Theatre and Grange Park Opera.