Justice Minister Claire Sugden yesterday attended a Passing Out ceremony for new recruits of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Fifteen men and five women who completed a nine-week intensive training course at the Prison Service College at Hydebank Wood will start work in Maghaberry Prison next week.

A further nineteen students are expected to graduate today.

Ms Sugden, whose father was a prison officer, said it was fitting that one of her first engagements as Justice Minister was to join new prison officers at the beginning of their careers.

She said: “Working in prisons and serving the community can be a fulfilling and honourable career. There will be challenges but there will also be many opportunities to change the lives of those who have made poor decisions and ended up in prison.

“I am confident the new recruits will approach their new roles with professionalism, integrity and determination and by working with prisoners in custody they can help reduce their likelihood of re-offending when they are released.”