Many prison staff will work throughout the festive period in Kent this year. But because their work is behind the prison walls, it often goes unseen.

Prison officer James Taylor, 33, has worked at HMP Elmley at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey for the past two years.

Before that, he worked in the West End as a puppeteer appearing in shows like War Horse and films like Dunkirk.

He said: “Most people spend key days like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in their home surrounded by their family.

"To spend some of those days in a prison surrounded by prisoners probably seems quite alien. But that’s what thousands of prison staff across the country do every year.

"Just like the NHS and our other emergency services like the police and fire brigade, prisons don’t shut over the festive period and so we don’t stop either.

“Working in a prison can be challenging throughout December. For the prisoners, nothing really changes. Their days still look the same with the normal routine of meals, getting their medicine and daily exercise.

"They do have visits over the period but not on Christmas Day itself and they miss their families and friends. That can impact on their behaviour and the atmosphere in the prison.

"As a prison officer, you need to understand how they’re feeling while also being vigilant and ensuring the regime runs as effectively and safely as it should.

"A key part of my role is understanding that behind every cell door is an individual and you have to treat them that way. Talking to prisoners and building rapport, while also being firm on the boundaries, can resolve conflict and that’s better for prisoners and staff as it ensures the prison runs smoothly and safely.

“We work shifts so over the years we try to take it in turns when it comes to working on key days. Although I’ll be working around the Christmas period I have a young daughter so I’m really looking forward to spending the actual day with her.

"I lucked out with the day itself falling on my existing day off but the prison is really flexible and does allow parents or those with family commitments to make specific requests for leave if they need it."

He went on: “It was strange the first time I spent the festive period at the prison. Putting on my uniform while others were tucking into mulled wine and mince pies felt odd. But you do get used to it.

"Last year I spent New Year’s Eve dealing with a serious medical incident with a prisoner, which was sad.

"But you build such strong relationships with your colleagues in the prison service so in a way spending the festive period with them almost feels like spending it with family.

"I imagine the camaraderie is similar to other uniform services like the military. Anyone who hasn’t worked in the prison service can’t understand what it’s really like. You face such unusual challenges every day and have to really rely on you colleagues that you build such tight friendships.

"I know if I was ever to feel unsafe, I could press the bell and they’d be there in minutes to support me. That creates a unique bond.

“I really enjoy working in the prison service and I’m hoping to build a career here. It isn’t easy and it’s a real test of character but no day is the same and that certainly keeps things interesting.

"You can’t help everyone but sometimes you do see the impact your work has on a prisoner's mindset and you know that, because of you, there is a chance they won’t reoffend when they leave. That feels great.

"When I’m driving home during December with a few festive tunes on in the car, I know my days have been well spent.”

* You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer but you need to demonstrate good communication and influencing skills, commitment to quality, effective decision-making, care and understanding. Training is available. To find out more, visit here.

Salaries start at £30,880.