A charity providing education to prisoners is urging people to vote for it to receive a £3,000 grant from a bank.

The Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) was set up in Wandsworth prison 25 years ago by a prison teacher who wanted to improve the range of courses available for inmates.

The charity conducts research and provides advice and funding for prisoners who are keen to study subjects and levels not otherwise available in prisons.

Shortlisted for the Lloyds Bank Community Fund 2014 in South London, it is asking people to visit branches in Worcester Park, Cheam, Sutton, Raynes Park and Mitcham and cast their vote for it to win by the October 10 deadline.

Rod Clark, chief executive, said: "The Lloyds Bank Community Fund will give us a huge vote of confidence and make a real difference to PET, enabling us to help more people to turn their lives around through education and reduce their chances of reoffending.

"Please vote for PET and give men and women in London’s prisons an opportunity to gain skills, qualifications and experience so they can work and volunteer in our communities after they leave."

Nicolle John, from South London, used the charity’s services while in prison and is now has a full time job after studying a counselling course.

Ms John got involved with a gang as a teenager, after a difficult upbringing.

She became addicted to drugs and was abused by her boyfriend and, in 2007, received an Indeterminate Sentence for Public Protection for four years. 

She is now working as a personal assistant and volunteer with charities, schools and the police, running workshops and speaking about her experiences. 

She said: "Education has brought me and my son closer together.

"My son’s doing very well getting all As and Bs at school.

"We sit together and do our homework side by side and support each other."

The Fund was set up to give grants to up to 1,400 local good causes in 350 communities. 

There are four good causes shortlisted in each community and Lloyds Bank and the cause that receives the most votes in each community will receive an award of £3,000, with the other groups receiving £2,000, £1,000 or £500 depending on the votes received.

People can vote for PET online, by SMS or Twitter using #CommFund and code TPX, or in a branch of Lloyds bank.

For more information about the Community Fund and PET and to cast a vote visit www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund.