VULNERABLE new inmates are to receive a gentle introduction to prison life at a women's jail in the North-East.

A new reception/induction wing was opened at Low Newton Women's Prison, at Brasside, on the outskirts of Durham, yesterday.

The 40-place unit is designed to carefully ease recently imprisoned women into the prison regime, before they are moved into accommodation in the main body of the jail.

Phil Wheatley, director-general of the Prison Service, performed the honours alongside Durham's Mayor, Councillor Mary Hawgood.

The guests were given a look around the facilities and a tour of the rest of the prison, before joining members of staff and prisoner representatives for a buffet lunch.

Later, Prison Service North-East area manager Mitch Egan opened Low Newton's new visits centre, which forms part of the overall £1.5m development at the former remand centre, which now caters for general category female prisoners.

Governor Dave Thompson said the reception/induction unit would ensure newly admitted prisoners receive the care they need on arrival at Low Newton.

"It's part of the programme to get them introduced to prison life. They are vulnerable at that time and it is designed to help them to settle in. They will receive the information and support to enable them to adjust to their situation and environment."

Mr Thompson said such facilities and programmes have helped Low Newton avoid the spate of suicides which have blighted some establishments within the prison network in recent months.

The new visits complex will allow the original visits area to be converted into a learning and development centre for use by both staff and prisoners.