Winchester Prison opened its doors to more than 100 members of the public with its annual carol service.
Twenty inmates gave up the chance to mingle with other prisoners enjoying the special occasion to join churchmen in a festive choir.
The service was held in the chapel next to a decorated 30ft Christmas tree.
The readers were inmate Michael Byrne, governor Rick Smalley, prison officer Roger Outlaw, education worker Pat Brockway, Major Derek Smith of the Salvation Army, a visitor Richard Foster and assistant chaplain Linda Rowe.
Among the guests were Winchester mayor Georgina Busher, acting chairman of the county council Alan Rice and the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Rt Rev Geoffrey Rowell, who gave the blessing.
Mr Smalley said: "We do get many members of the public coming in to the jail, such as the Board of Visitors, the Samaritans and Alcoholics Anonymous.
"But we would like to involve the wider community so they can see what we do."
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