London, Feb 13: Pampered convicts at some of Britain's toughest jails are costing taxpayers thousands of pounds through petty grievances like their cocoa being excessively hot.

The convicts have also moaned about not having a TV on arrival and being kept awake by barking dogs.

At HMP Wakefield, where Roy Whiting is serving life for murdering schoolgirl Sarah Payne, one inmate griped about the foil wrapping on mince pies.

Lags at the Category A jail also demanded vegan soap and cribbed about not getting butter for bread served with their soup.

At HMP Manchester, inmates moaned about a missing magazine delivery and not having hair clippers. And a lag demanded an alternative Boxing Day menu at HMP Long Lartin, Worcs, the Sun reported.

The Prison Officers Association revealed that investigating the gripes costs "an awful lot" in time and money.

But the Prison Service said that a complaint that may seem trivial could give disproportionate concern to prisoners.

"That's why we are determined to deal with issues quickly," it said. (ANI)