When you walk past the historic walls of Maidstone Prison you might feel as if there’s another world behind them and for governor Stephen O’Connell it’s one he’s in charge of 24/7.

He knows the prison service better than most; he has held every role from prison officer right up to governor over the years, and worked at a range of prisons

He said: “It’s a 24/7 business, 365 days a year with people who don’t want to be here.

“When you’re locking people up and their liberty is removed it makes it a very difficult sort of job.

"It is the most sensitive area; the removal of people’s liberty. It makes it a unique job; complex, demanding and rewarding.”

He adds: “I have a job to do here, but I am a part of the team. I lead it, but I also work hard.”

Find out more about this good-humoured Irishman in Angela Cole's interview with him in Friday's Kent Messenger.