FEEDING convicts held in police stations because of a shortage of prison cells has sent food bills soaring.

Serving grub at a local nick costs up to six times as much as it does in jails - £12 a meal compared with £2 a day.

Last year the total bill came to £732,000 - £600,000 more than if prison cells had been available.

Tory David Ruffley, who uncovered the figures, said: "Taxpayers will be appalled by the waste."