The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) handed over the Border Leciester and Texel-cross lambs to the Kids Pony Foundation in Lisburn, which provides animal therapy for children with autism and life-limiting illnesses.

Sheep were introduced at Hydebank Wood College two years ago as part of an animal therapy rehabilitation initiative for students.

Hydebank’s vocational training officer Ricky Graham, who is also a part-time sheep farmer, worked with the students to teach them basic livestock and husbandry skills.

Student development governor Stevie Mann said: “The therapeutic value of looking after and caring for animals is widely recognised. The young men who would not normally have exposure to farm animals, have been given the opportunity to develop new skills and gain self-confidence.

“One of the two sheep we donated to the Kids Pony Foundation was delivered by one of our students. This young man had no previous experience of husbandry and under Ricky’s tutelage was able deliver the lamb on his own.

“Much of our work goes unseen, behind walls and fences but we are still very much a part of the community. Projects like this are helping to support the young men in our care to change and that is one way we help to build a safer community.”