TAKING the work of God into jail has landed Lancaster Prison's chaplain with a national honour.

The Rev Carolyn Woodcock is to receive an award from The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace for her outstanding contribution to the effective care of prisoners.

Carolyn says she was surprised to be given the award and thrilled' that the work of God has been recognised.

"There were so many areas of excellent work within the prison service so it is wonderful that the work of chaplaincy has been highlighted," she says.

She became a full-time chaplain at Lancaster in 2000 and one of her particular concerns among the 243 men in the Category C prison has been their welfare when they leave.

Adds Carolyn: "There is still very much need surrounding the gap between leaving prison and settling into the community, and this can start to be bridged by Christians in the community. We need to continue to build bridges, working together."

Carolyn is to receive the award on March 30 and hopes that it will remind the churches of the need to help bridge the gap.