PRISONERS have embraced the gift of giving this Christmas by donating money to an autistic children's charity.
Inmates at the maximum security Maghaberry raised more than £5,000 through recycling, catering and fundraising for the National Autistic Society.
They were involved in recycling plastic cups and electrical waste, while others made tray bakes which they sold to staff.
Deputy Governor David Savage visited the charity's Newtownards branch to donate cash as well as Christmas trees made out of recycled wood.
"Prisoners at Maghaberry have shown a great enthusiasm and imagination with initiatives to support the community," he said.
"We have a very successful recycling facility inside Maghaberry and alongside the NVQ catering projects, they provide purposeful activities for many prisoners.
"Some of that donated will be used to create a winter wonderland experience for autistic children, with the remainder assisting the society in its tireless work to provide support, guidance and advice for autistic children."
Charity chairperson Trudi Kildea said the money raised would help support interactive shows and virtual craft sessions for children.
"This has been a particularly hard time for children who rely on routine and on our many activity groups and therapies which have obviously had to pause for now," she said.
"The Newtownards Branch of NAS is run by seven parent volunteers and receives no outside funding. All fundraising goes directly to help us continue to support over 250 families living with autism."