Prisoners get opera-singing lessons and can rent out CDs to play in their cells

Jailbirds who sing usually face a chorus of disapproval from fellow inmates.

“Squealers” face rough justice if caught informing to prison bosses.

But crooks may need a new word for the spies in their midst – because inmates are now being offered lessons in actual SINGING.

Jail chiefs think courses in opera may help would-be Pavarottis to go straight. But sceptical insiders reckon many crooks would be better off with a kick up the arias.

One source said: “I’ve heard it all now. It’s meant to be a stay at His Majesty’s Pleasure – not the Royal Opera House.”

Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti (Western Mail)

The courses are being offered to inmates at category B HMP Thameside in South London. Prisoners can even rent out opera CDs to sing along to in their cells.

The scheme emerged in a report by the Independent Monitoring Board watchdog covering remote learning courses such as screenwriting, sports and novel writing, how to get published, and opera.

The Serco-run prison previously taught about 20 inmates how to be horse whisperers.

A spokesman said: “We bring in external support to provide a range of courses to help rehabilitation and reduce reoffending at no extra cost to the taxpayer.”