X-ray scanners rolled at prisons in West Midlands and Staffordshire

Government bosses revealed the "game-changing" equipment is being used at HMPs Birmingham, Featherstone and Oakwood.

The technology allows staff to see whether prisoners are attempting to smuggle in illegal items such as phones, drugs and weapons.

Prisons Minister Alex Chalk MP said: "The new technology is having a hugely positive impact, stemming the flow of contraband into jails and allowing staff to focus on rehabilitation.

"The scanners form part of our wider aim to transform prisons, stepping up security to cut crime and ultimately better protecting the public."

A total of 51 prisons across England and Wales are using the scanners – with staff, using the scanners, having stopped more than 3,500 illegal items from getting to prisoners in the last six months.

HMP Featherstone governor Laura Whitehurst said: "The scanner is already preventing illicit items getting into HMP Featherstone which could have caused significant harm to individuals and our community."

The roll-out forms part of the Government's £100 million package to tackle violence behind bars and boost security in prisons.

HMP Oakwood director Sean Oliver, said: "The technology is most welcome and has had an immediate impact on preventing illicit items entering the prison.

"This technology now forms a key part in Oakwood’s overall strategy in reducing the ingress of illegal items into the establishment."

Ministers have committed a total of £2.75 billion to transform prisons – including the £100m to clamp down on smuggling and improve security.

A total of £2.5 billion has been pledged to provide 10,000 more prison places and create "modern" jails that rehabilitate offenders and reduce re-offending rates.

A further £156 million to tackle the most pressing maintenance issues to create safe and decent conditions for offender rehabilitation has been pledged by chiefs.