Crooks are learning to play chess in jail and it is reducing violence.
The computerised version is being used in nine out of ten prisons in the UK.
It is helping to transform lags lives and leading to work when their sentences end.
The inmates are playing the board game using Coracle.
It has lead to nearly 1,200 prisoners getting work when they get out.
Playing chess has cut the number of assaults by 2,000.
This includes more than 200 serious attacks.
In turn it is saying taxpayers cash.
Cambridge-based Coracle is run by CEO James Tweed who said: “It gives them something to hope for.
“Something to work on and chess is often a gateway to a world of learning.
“A lot of prisoners start off with the computerised chess game,
“Chess is incredibly popular in prisons but the version we offer has the dual benefit of acting as a gateway to the educational pathways available through Coracle.”
The study, conducted by crime and justice consultancy Crest Advisory, revealed that for every £1 spent on Coracle’s services, £16 was recouped by taxpayers and the wider economy, as reported on Need To Know.
A spokesperson said: “The report found that the service reduces assaults by almost 2,000 incidents per year, including more than 200 serious assaults.
“Coracle’s education technology has also helped nearly 1,200 more ex-prisoners into work within six months of release.
“Overall, the service was found to be worth £35m a year to taxpayers.”
Mr Tweed added: “We always believed we were making an impact but even I was astounded by the amount of value to taxpayers.
“Violence in prisons can be appalling both for staff and prisoners.
“It also prevents anything meaningful or worthwhile taking place and is very expensive in terms of medical treatment and time off work.
“So the fact that we are doing something that reduces this particular issue is very welcome news.
“Our prisons are in total crisis and we desperately need a long term solution that reduces crime and lowers the prison population.
“Endlessly building more prisons is not the answer.
“Investing in education is proven to be the best way to cut reoffending and we have never needed this more than we do now. I urge the government and politicians to read this report and act upon it.”
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