A FORMER probation chief has signed up to helping a prisoners’ charity.

Russell Bruce, formerly chief executive of the Durham and Tees Valley Probation Service, has been made a trustee of Durham-based Nepacs, which supports prisoners and their families.

Mr Bruce worked in probation from 1982 until his retirement in 2013 and was influential in creating the current service.

Helen Attewell, Nepcas’ chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Russell Bruce to our board of trustees.

“Through our work with probation services we have worked with Russell in the past and are confident that his extensive skills and experience of working with offenders and their families will be an asset to Nepacs.”

Mr Bruce said he was delighted to join Nepacs.

“Recent evidence highlights families as being central and vital in helping to aid resettlement of prisoners back into the community on release and reduce reoffending.

“I hope my experience will help in a small way and I look forward to working with colleagues to that end,” he added.