Several Kent prisons could become resettlement jails in a bid to reduce re-offending.

Elmley, Rochester, Standford Hill and Blantyre House will all take on the new role.

Under the reforms, the vast majority of criminals will be released from prisons in, or close to, the area where they will live.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said the move would help prisoners work towards their rehabilitation back into the community.

In all, there are 70 such prisons nationally, with prisoners sentenced to 12 months or under serving all their time in a resettlement prison.

They would then get a "tailored package of supervision and support" on their release, the government claims.

Most inmates serving longer sentences would be moved to a resettlement prison at least three months before the end of their time in custody.