A PRISON charity has honoured the work of probation officers who try to turn offenders away from crime.

Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham and Darlington, today (Wednesday May 8) handed out the 2013 NEPACS awards at a ceremony at Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street .

The Durham-based charity runs facilities for visitors at prisons and young offender institutions in the region.

Jim Black, chairman of NEPACS, said: “At a time when the country is looking closely at the effectiveness of prisons in cutting levels of re-offending, NEPACS is keen to give out awards for activities that help offenders build up links with their families, the workplace and the wider community that stop them getting back into crime. "

Mr Hogg said: “The work of NEPACS is based on volunteers who dedicate themselves to providing support for prisoners' families. Their work is vital in maintaining family links through the difficult period of a prisoners' sentence.

"It is shown that such efforts ease a prisoner's return to the community and reduces the likelihood of reoffending. I am pleased to be associated with NEPACS.”

Awards went to Tom Batty for his work as industry manager, learning and skills manager and gymnasium manager at Durham Prison.

Lindy Madgin-Ellison and Valerie Docherty, probation officers with Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust, were recognised for the work on community supervision in Durham City, Consett and Chester-le-Street.

Leanne Robinson , senior pharmacy technician at Holme House Prison, Stockton, was awarded for her work with offenders on Drug and Alcohol Recovery programmes .

An award also went to Rebecca Young, a pathway leader at Low Newton Prison, Durham City, for raising awareness of the issues facing sex workers and supporting preparations for their release .

Highly Commended certificates were handed to 13 other recipients.