INSPIRING, engaging and committed were the words used to describe some of the unsung heroes of our county’s prison service.

They are a team of people from inside HMP Bullingdon who together do everything from uncovering dangerous contraband stashed by prisoners to supporting inmates and bringing them back from the brink of suicide.

The tireless efforts - which saw several officers camped out at the prison, near Bicester, during the heavy snow - were yesterday awarded with certificates.

High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Jane Cranston, alongside the High Sheriff of Berkshire Sarah Scrope and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Peter Kara, organised the awards after being impressed during recent visits to HMP Bullingdon as well as HMP Grendon and Springhill.

Mrs Cranston said: “We all came away impressed by the commitment and care we saw, and by the individual acts of dedication and compassion being shown by officers, often within a difficult environment.

“Aware of the critical challenges faced by the service as a whole in respect of budget constraints, understaffing, overcrowding, drugs, the threats of assaults, self-harm and suicides, we felt some of those acts of exemplary service needed to be acknowledged and celebrated.”

Five individuals were handed recognition awards as well as one team awards.

Among those awarded was supervising officer Dave Cox who has worked at HMP Bullingdon tackling security since 2004.

HMP Bullingdon governor Ian Blakeman described Mr Cox as firm but fair and said alongside security he has built outstanding relationships with prisoners encouraging improved behaviour.

He said Mr Cox became known as the officer who could ‘sniff out’ contraband and in 2018 saw him find a ‘significant homemade weapon’ hidden in an air vent.

Mr Cox said: “It is good to be recognised for the job that we do. I love it, it is something different every day. I started in 2004 and I have just kept on going.

“For me it the results of being able to find those new hiding places that prisoners have come up with.”

Also among the award winners was Sue Horton whose was described by Mr Blakeman as ‘the engine that drives the set up at Bullingdon’ and he said it was a safer place thanks to Ms Horton.

Prison officer Emma Thorne praised for delivering decency and Mr Blakeman said ‘if you could clone Emma, Bullingdon would undoubtedly be an easier prison to work in’.

Craig Perry was awarded for helping reduce reoffending and for working tirelessly with ex-military personnel to provide vital support.

Wendy Brennan was praised as ‘one of the most supportive officers employed’ and for being ‘relentlessly cheerful’.

The prison’s programmes team were also handed team of the year, for continuing to deliver an excellent standard of service.

The awards ceremony was held at the Tap Social in Botley - which provides training courses for people serving prison sentences.

Prison governor Mr Blakeman said: “I have been working in prisons for 25 years and I am constantly inspired by the work that our officers do.”