Two Islamic State fanatics who plotted to carry out Britain's 'worst terror attack' are understood to be in a prison where they can take part in painting classes. 

Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were last week convicted of planning a gun attack on Jewish targets.

They sought to buy a stash of firearms and over 900 rounds of ammunition.

Fuelled by a twisted desire to exact revenge for Israel's military response to the Hamas atrocity on Britain's streets, the extremists planned to gun down participants at a march against anti-Semitism in Manchester.

Tunisian-born Saadaoui – who once ran an Italian restaurant in Great Yarmouth – and Hussein – who claimed to be a former Iraqi soldier and told police he was 'proud' to be a terrorist – then planned to target schools and synagogues in the city's Jewish community.

They are yet to be sentenced, but The Sun reports Saadaoui and Hussein are currently being held at category B HMP Preston, rather than a high-security prison, where they can freely mix with the overcrowded population. 

The newspaper says inmates at the Victorian prison can have DVDs and books delivered to their cells, which have Freeview televisions. There are also three gyms. 

Prisoners are also able to sign up for courses provided by Manchester College, including English, maths, IT, graphic design, digital imaging, media/radio production, painting and decorating and art. 

Plotters Walid Saadaoui, 38, left, and Amar Hussein planned to slaughter British Jews in a twisted revenge for Israel's military response to the October 7 attacks

Amar Hussein (left) and Walid Saadaoui (right) have been found guilty of planning an Islamic State-inspired gun attack on Jewish targets in the Manchester area 

According to the prison's most recent inspection report in March 2023, Partners of Prisoners, an organisation supporting families of prisoners, organised 'popular' themed family days. 

One included a sports day with an egg and spoon race, face painting and picnics. 

The report read: 'However, too few were being delivered. They were only available to 15 prisoners every two months and were always over-subscribed, which meant many missed out.'

A source told The Sun it was 'outrageous they are together in a cushy medium-security prison like Preston rather than a tough, high-security one'.

'When you look at the contrast between how dangerous their plot was and what comfortable conditions they are being held in, it makes you sick,' they said.