A youth serving time for burglary and drug offences says receiving a top award while being behind bars will help him stay out of prison once he's released.

Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry

Eleven young inmates from Christchurch Men's Prison were recognised today for their success in the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award - a programme which involves completing challenges that teach new skills, such as goal setting.

Challenges for the inmates included running a full marathon.

One 20-year-old offender who took part received a Gold Award, making him the first New Zealand prisoner to achieve this level while behind bars.

Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis, who attended the awards ceremony, said the men had learnt skills which would help them make the right choices once they were released from prison.

"A lot of young people end up in prison because they haven't had the best role models, environment or opportunities growing up. Helping them gain the skills they need to get into further training, education or work reduces their likelihood of re-offending which means our communities are safer.

The Corrections Department is in negotiations to offer the programme to prisoners in six other prisons around New Zealand.