Prisoners given carrots instead of cigarettes

Prisoners in New Zealand are to receive carrot sticks in place of cigarettes.

Once a smoking ban is enforced on jails across the country on July 1, officers will be instructed to give inmates two of the healthy snacks a day to help them cope with nicotine withdrawal.

Corrections Association of New Zealand president Beven Hanlon admitted he isn't very convinced the idea will work.

He said: "I don't think it is one of their best ideas but it is worth a try.

"It's the whole oral thing... if they have got something in their mouth, they won't be looking for a cigarette to put in it."