PRISON service boss Martin Narey has run the rule over a North-East jail, which is expanding to meet the growing number of female prisoners.

Low Newton, on the outskirts of Durham, is a former remand centre which previously housed mostly young male inmates, with a small female section.

In 1997, it was redesignated as a women's prison and, following major investment, it earned an impressive inspection report last year.

The increase in the female prison population, now at an all-time high nationally of more than 4,000, led to an extra 40 places being added, to increase the roll at Low Newton to 280.

Mr Narey, director general of HM Prison Service, visited Low Newton on Thursday to open the jail's new 40-capacity Finchale Wing, which came into use earlier this year.

Mr Narey was also shown the prison's education department.

He toured its drug therapeutic community, meeting staff and talking to inmates who have benefited from the support on offer to help break substance misuse habits.

Governor Dave Thompson said the visit had given a lift to staff and inmates at Low Newton.

l Mr Narey, a former governor at nearby Frankland Prison, completed his visit by presenting the Imperial Service Medal to retired senior officer George Iveson, who, during 28 years of service, worked at both Low Newton and Frankland jails.