The governor of Lewes Prison has defended controversial changes made to visiting rules.

The new regime encourages family ties and reduces the possibility of drugs being passed to inmates, he said Friends and relatives of inmates have complained about a new system of one-and-a-half hour visits instead of more frequent, shorter visits.

They claim booking slots has been getting increasingly difficult, especially as the number of inmates has increased by up to 70.

The Brighton and Hove Advice and Rights Centre has taken up the issue, saying changes are "petty and unnecessary" and some prisoners cannot get weekly visits.

The body is now calling on governor Paul Carroll to introduce a fairer system and has organised a petition.

But Mr Carroll insists the new system is fairer and allows each prisoner a minimum of at least one long visit a week.

He has made more visiting slots available at weekends, the most requested time.

The prison is also reducing the pre-booking time to seven days to prevent visitors booking too many slots in advance.

Mr Carroll said: "We are seeking to encourage genuine family ties and more meaningful visits in which prisoners can spend a relaxed period with genuine members of their families.

"I am trying to arrange the most efficient use of manpower resources."