Prisoners wash relatives' feet

Inmates at Chinese prisons are being given a chance to turn over a new leaf - by washing the feet of the families they have shamed.

Prisoners at Jialing jail in Sichuan province, south west China, were allowed to invite their relatives to the correction centre for the ancient ceremony to mark the Chinese New Year.

The inmates wash the feet of their family members as an apology for the disgrace they have brought on their relatives.

"It is an ancient tradition that we have revived as Family Love Week," said a prison spokesman.

"More than 150 prisoners washed more than 450 pairs of feet. It makes them think about their crime and the consequences.

"It is a very moving experience and every visitor can buy a souvenir photo," they added.