A CHARITY which works with prisoners and their families is on the hunt for volunteer drivers.

Nepacs, based in Durham City, is launching a bespoke minibus service for visitors to two North-East prisons, HMP Northumberland and Deerbolt, near Barnard Castle, which houses young offenders.

Transport is being provided by two community groups, CT Newcastle and Dene Valley Community Transport, while funding has been made available from the Northern Rock Foundation.

Volunteer drivers will be offered the chance to undertake professional minibus training.

The mini bus services will run to and from Newcastle to HMP Northumberland, in Acklington, five times a week and from Darlington to Deerbolt three times a week.

A third weekly service is planned to be added from Teesside to HMP Northumberland and more could follow next year.

More than 250 people already volunteer for NEPACS providing services such as prison visitors’ centres and tea bars, play sessions for prisoners’ children and youth projects and support for families whose loved ones are in custody.

Andrew Thorp, transport solutions worker for NEPACS, said: “The new prison transport service is an exciting project for NEPACS as the first of its kind in the region. Visiting prison is really tough for families who travel large distances, often to unfamiliar places.

“It’s especially hard on those who don’t have access to private transport and don’t have knowledge of public transport services.

“Our work involves supporting families to visit their relative in prison and transport problems have always been a major barrier. We hope the new transport service will make it easier for families, help keep them together, and reduce the chance of the prisoner reoffending on release.”

To apply or for more information contact Mr Thorp on 07854-594-012 or email athorp@nepacs.co.uk