HMP Hewell ranks as the second-highest offender for the number of mobile phones confiscated from prison inmates in one year, new data shows.

Figures obtained from a Freedom of Information request revealed 817 mobile phones were confiscated at Hewell in 2015, with only HMP Altcourse in Liverpool seizing more (993).

The figures, which are the most up-to-date stats available, showed 16,987 mobile phones were taken off inmates nationwide, marking an increase from the 9,745 seized in 2014.

The Government says the increase shows they are working hard to stamp out contraband, but called on mobile network operators to help by blocking phones signals in prisons.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "We are determined to do all we can to prevent prisoners having access to mobile phones and we are stepping up efforts to find and block them.

"We have announced a major shake-up of the prison system with 2,500 extra prison officers and new security measures to tackle drones, phones and drugs and help make prisons places of safety and reform.

"Tougher new sentences have also been introduced for those who smuggle phones into prisons, with those caught facing a maximum penalty of two years."

A new report on Hewell was published on January 9, with inspectors citing "improvements" despite high levels of suicide, drugs and violence.