A former retail store manager turned prison officer is leading yoga sessions in an effort to prevent reoffending.

Matt Eastgate joined the prison service five years ago as an operational support grade at HMP Bullingdon.

Nine months later, he became a prison officer as well as a yoga instructor for prisoners and his fellow staff.

Mr Eastgate said: "For prisoners who may struggle with addiction, it’s often bought on by stress and anxiety and yoga is proven to help people relax more.

"I run one session a week with up to 10 prisoners which helps staff to maintain a calmer environment and smoother running of the prison.

"I’ve never been flexible and I had never done yoga before I learnt to become an instructor.

"I volunteered to help reduce reoffending by doing classes with prisoners once a week, but also to help my colleagues at the prison to relax in their own time either at lunch or after work."

Applications for operational support grade roles at HMP Bullingdon are now open and Mr Eastgate is encouraging people to apply.

Speaking about his job, he said: "Not only have I been given opportunities I never thought I’d get, but I also go home knowing that I have tried to help change people’s lives in some way.

"There are some bad days, just like in any job.

"And though it’s not easy work, it’s unbelievably rewarding."