THE World Cup may have come to an end but the spirit of the competition is continuing inside the walls of Portland’s Verne Prison where inmates are battling it out in a charity football tournament.

To coincide with this summer’s competition in South Africa the prisoners have been hosting their own World Cup in their free time.

The Verne’s population is made up of more than 50 per cent foreign nationals, representing 70 nationalities from across the globe.

Eight teams have been formed with prisoners from individual countries or regions – Western Europe, Spanish and Latino, West Indies, Africa, Nigeria, Eastern Europe and two UK teams.

The tournament kicked off in June and the competition is still in the group stages.

After two games each, the UK’s A team is in the lead by goal difference only, with the Western Europe team close on their heels.

The final will be played on July 30, when the Verne World Cup will be presented to the winning team. The event is in aid of the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

Participating prisoners and staff have donated money to the fund, which currently stands in excess of £1,000.

Prison governor Denis Hodder said: “HMP The Verne is a very diverse prison and this is an opportunity for all nationalities to come together to compete and play for their national honour, reflecting the World Cup values of discipline, respect for others, responsibility and team spirit.”

The competition has been organised by physical education senior officer Ritchie Carter and physical education officer Steve Shayler.

SCBU is a cause close to Mr Shayler’s heart. He said: “The Verne World Cup so far has been more exciting than the real thing. The charity chosen is a worthwhile cause having had personal experience of the unit when my son Tom was born, three months premature.

“I would like to thank all those that have donated so far, especially the prisoners as some have donated a week’s wages.