Story By: James King, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

Jailbird fathers unable to spend time with their kids over Christmas are being given the chance to record audiobooks so that they can read their children a festive bedtime story during the pandemic.

The bedtime story project is being organised by the JVA prison in Freiburg in Germany.

The initiative was pushed through because COVID-19 restrictions have made it harder for children to visit their criminal dads in prison.

The project also offers kids the chance of hearing their dad’s voice in the form of a bedtime story.

A prison spokesperson said that inmates are receiving far fewer visitors during the pandemic and that the initiative has been organised with the local Catholic Church in time for Christmas.

Jailbird dads will read a book into a microphone before a CD is burned and sent to their children for night-time listening.

The CD cover will also be based on artwork submitted by the incarcerated fathers.

Prison priest Martin Vrana said: “The dads have proven to be incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”

He said that 22 dads of children aged between three and 12 have taken advantage of the opportunity to create a Christmas CD for their families.

The priest added that the children’s book Pippi Longstocking has proven to be one of the most popular choices among dads doing porridge.

Many of the audiobooks also include personal greetings and messages for their children.

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