A MOVING ceremony reduced inmates and staff to tears at Winchester Prison as they bid farewell to their Salvation Army minister Charles Edney.

Songs, including Blowing in the Wind and Streets of London, sung by women prisoners, proved a fitting tribute for a man who has done so much for so many.

Over the past decade 75-year old Charles, who has been forced to retire due to ill health, has provided counselling, moral support and friendship for hundreds of inmates and their families.

He has also been responsible for raising thousands of pounds to provide birthday and Christmas gifts for prisoners' children - a fund he hopes will continue.

Governor Roger Gains said Charles had made a great contribution to the establishment over many years and would be missed by everyone.

Prison Ministries Officer Major Wesley Dinsmore, who travelled from London for the retirement ceremony, said Charles was held in "high esteem" for the work he had done at Winchester.

Charles, who has been a member of the Salvation Army for more than 40-years, told the Daily Echo: "I have made hundreds of friends over the years and I will continue to visit prisoners' families for as long as I can. I feel my ministry has been very worthwhile and in return I have been given a lot of love. I am sad to be leaving and I will miss everyone."

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