Eight-year-old Eryn Kirkpatrick was born with the rare condition Septo-optic dysplasia which has left her completely blind and also affects her growth.

She is now continuing to study at Fivemiletown Primary School with the support of Maghaberry Prison’s Braille unit, which has produced 100 books in Braille to assist her schoolwork, including reading books, maths and English text and exercise books.

Darren Otley, who runs the prison Braille unit, said: “When I learned about Eryn I just knew I had to support her. Straight away the men in the braille unit set to work and over the past two years we have supplied all of the books Eryn has required.

“For the men it’s about giving something back to the community. They are all passionate about the work they are doing and especially knowing that they are able to help a young child. We are just delighted to have been able to help little Eryn.”

Maghaberry Prison Governor David Kennedy said: “Eryn’s story was something which personally moved me and obviously also the men in our care who work in the Braille unit. I am delighted we have been able to support Eryn.

“The Braille unit at Maghaberry - one of many ongoing rehabilitative projects - has been operating very successfully for more than 30 years, supporting individuals, hospitals, schools, charities and churches. Rehabilitation is a big part of what the Prison Service is all about today, challenging and supporting those in our care to change so they might to contribute to their community when they would return to it.”