Double-killer Scott Watson has been told more work lies ahead of him to improve his chances of release

The 49-year-old's third bid for parole was declined this morning, at Canterbury's Rolleston Prison.

Watson still maintains he's innocent - having spent more than 22 years behind bars.

He was convicted for the 1998 murders of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart in the Marlborough Sounds.

Parole Board convenor Sir Ron Young says Watson needs treatment to address risks raised in psychiatric reports before parole can be granted.

Watson has told the panel he's willing to do this, but programmes demand he confesses to a crime he didn't commit.