Gong for inspirational prison teacher Brian

A prison worker who has spent 30 years transforming inmates’ lives is to receive a royal honour.

Brian Cunningham will get the Butler Trust Award for his commitment and dedication to learning at HMP Perth.

The 63-year-old Fife College learning centre manager has led a series of innovative projects with prisoners, including recording a live CD with the jail’s “house” band The Core.

Mr Cunningham has also worked on stage shows and an eight-week project making cigar box guitars.

He will receive his award from Butler Trust patron the Princess Royal at a ceremony in St James’s Palace next month.

“I am delighted to be receiving this award,” he said. “I retired just a few weeks ago and so being recognised now for what I have accomplished is an honour and means a great deal.”

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my role at HMP Perth and liked working with the team to promote learning, which has a significant positive effect on the learners in prison.

“The many projects we were involved with also benefit the wider community and help to break down barriers.

“The learners enjoy working with outside organisations or community groups on live projects, giving them a sense of purpose and the feeling they are giving something back and having a tangible outcome to the project work.”

The Butler Trust Award Scheme is an annual awards project which promotes excellence in correctional settings throughout the UK. From 300 nominations received this year, 11 awards and 19 commendations will be granted.

Mr Cunningham helped inmates at Perth Prison.