Prisoners And Staff To Undertake 'Diamond Challenge'

The Northern Ireland Prison Service, Probation Board and Youth Justice Agency has launched a charity fund-raising initiative celebrating 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) .

The 'Diamond Challenge' invites those in custody, as well as prison staff, probation officers and youth justice workers to take part in the fund-raising effort during September 2016. Monies raised will be shared equally between the DofE and the NI Children’s Hospice.

The initiative was launched earlier at Hydebank Wood College in Belfast.

Tom Ferguson, NIPS Head of Learning and Skills, Employment and Enterprise, said: "We are encouraging everyone within the criminal justice sector and our partners in the wider justice family to take part in the challenge. Individually, or as part of a team, they can choose their challenge, physical or otherwise, motivated by knowing they are contributing to two worthwhile charities."

(CD)