Young offenders at Lewes Prison have committed suicide and others are terrified of leaving their cells because of bullying, according to a senior officer.

The news comes just days after a damning report claiming inmates were living in appalling conditions.

The prison's F Wing, which is separate from the main prison, houses up to 100 men aged between 18 and 21.

Prison authorities have launched a project to combat bullying and the Sussex Police Authority is helping with a £3,000 grant.

The project comprises an educational programme aimed at informing offenders of the problems surrounding bullying and the effects it can have.

F Wing principal officer Mark Hammersley said there had been reported cases of bullying, two of which had resulted in suicide, and some prisoners were reluctant to leave their cells.

He said eradicating bullying could only be achieved by giving young offenders a better understanding of the problem.

A social educational group and an anti-discrimination organisation have been called in by the prison to help.

Margaret Johnson, police authority chairman, said: "The project is dealing with the fear of crime.

"Bullying is something that affects a lot of young people today and whatever we can do to eradicate it is the way forward."

Earlier this week, an appraisal of Lewes Prison claimed conditions on two wings may contravene the Human Rights Act, which outlaws inhumane detention centres.

Home Secretary Jack Straw is said to be considering either improving or knocking down the prison, which was built in 1853.