THE Bishop of Durham has become patron of a prisoners' charity.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler has accepted the role with Nepacs, a North-East charity that supports prisoners and their families.

The 130-year-old group provides tea bars, family support and play areas within prison visit rooms and arranges visits for children to see their parents in prison.

Each year it welcomes 130,000 visitors to its visitor centres and nearly 20,000 children to its play facilities.

Speaking on a visit to Holme House Prison in Stockton, Bishop Butler said: "Visiting prison can be an uncertain time for families and Nepacs can help make the experience less daunting.

"I am proud to be patron for Nepacs, whose committed team of volunteers are helping people through a difficult time in their lives and making a real difference."

Nepacs CEO Helen Attewell said she was delighted the Bishop had agreed to become patron.