A WOMAN who is transforming prisoners’ lives by teaching them new skills has been recognised for her “outstanding” work at a prison near York.

Tutor Gerry Ryan works at HMP Full Sutton, and has been praised by the Butler Trust for her innovation and dedication to the job.

The Butler Trust celebrates the work of people in prisons, probation and youth justice and rewards them at an annual awards ceremony with patron The Princess Royal at St James’ Palace.

Gerry works at Full Sutton for social enterprise Novus. Managing director Peter Cox said: “We were delighted that a number of our Novus colleagues were nominated, but ecstatic to learn that four have now won an award or commendation. Gerry... regularly comes up with innovative ideas and dedication to enabling prisoners to make change in their lives.”