A CHARITY that helps rehabilitate prisoners has celebrated one year of operating in Winchester.

Footprints, which expanded into the city from Dorchester and South Somerset in 2014, wants to reduce the risk of reoffending by those leaving custody.

It works directly with offenders who have been returned to their local prisons for release.

The charity held a dinner at Bangkok Brasserie in Jewry Street to mark the milestone and help raise awareness of the problems ex-offenders face.

Sarah Chester, a patron, hosted the evening alongside recently appointed High Sheriff of Hampshire Lady Portal.

The charity needs more people who feel they can be a mentor, trustee, benefactor or occasional helper to allow it to operate more in Hampshire.

Jane Barks, executive director of Footprints, and Revd Canon Roland Riem, vide-dean and canon chancellor of Winchester Cathedral, also attended the celebration.