A maximum-security jail near York is on Millennium alert amid fears that inmates could try to spark a riot on New Year's Eve.

The Prison Service has confirmed it has contingency plans in place at Full Sutton prison, but says it is not expecting trouble.

A source at the Category-A jail today told the Evening Press, however, that staff were on their guard for an explosion of violence over the festive period.

The source, who spoke only under a guarantee of anonymity, said: "I am convinced it's going to go off. I will be amazed if this whole period passes without a major incident. A lot of the inmates will want to cause trouble because they know they will be messing up the Millennium for prison officers."

Prisoners, the source claimed, could start any disruption just before they are locked in their cells at 8pm on Millennium Eve so staff due to finish their shifts shortly afterwards would be forced to stay late. And rumours are rife at the jail that inmates will be locked up at an earlier time to avoid this. However, the source also believes that while some prisoners may want to use the Millennium as a focus for violence they will also know that extra staff are on standby to quell any disturbances. It is thought more likely that any organised disturbance would come between Christmas Day and New Year's Day or in the first few days of 2000.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "The whole of the Prison Service has made contingency plans for the Millennium, not just Full Sutton."

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