A BISHOP will hold mass for prisoners at the Feltham Young Offenders Institute on Christmas Day.

The Diocese of Westminster’s auxiliary bishop, Alan Hopes, will hold the Christmas Day Mass for those serving time at the Feltham prison.

Bishop Alan Hopes said: "It may seem strange to say this, but one place where it is truly a great joy to celebrate Christmas is Feltham Young Offenders' Institution. Some of the young men are hearing the story of the birth of Jesus Christ for the first time, and their hearts are truly open to hear this good news.

"For those who know all about Christmas and feel alone and maybe ashamed because of what they have done, to see the bishop with them re-assures them that they are neither forgotten nor deemed worthless by the wider church".

He added: "For my part, I am always very moved by the respect these lads show for the mass".