A member of staff at a prison in Dorset says she is ‘proud’ to be following in her father’s footsteps.

Chloe Nantes, 19, from Weymouth, became a prison caterer at HMP Portland after finishing college and working in a local café. She said that watching her father, Governor Roland Nantes, work at the prison when she was growing up inspired her to work there.

She said: “When I was growing up both of my parents worked in the prison so I’ve always grown up hearing about the prison environment.

"Working in a prison is nothing like what you see in TV shows or films. As I’ve gotten older I found my dad’s job more intriguing and have gained a much better understanding of what working in a prison is like.”

Miss Nantes made the switch after completing catering placements for college, which helped her with her decision. She said: “I knew to expect a unique and different catering environment to what I was used to.

“But luckily the skills I gained with my old job, along with my family’s experience, meant that the jump wasn’t too overwhelming. There’s a really tight-knit team here where I felt welcomed and nurtured. It has helped me to settle in and feel comfortable, which I really love.

Father and daughter duo Roland and Chloe NantesFather and daughter duo Roland and Chloe Nantes (Image: HMP Portland) “It’s great to be able to work together as a team. But also, through working in different areas of the prison, we are able to create and maintain an identity away from each other. The balance between these helps to create a supportive and positive atmosphere, which I’d recommend to others."  

Mr Nantes, a Governor at the prison who joined the staff back in 1991, said: “I think a lot of people don’t necessarily understand the role of a prison officer, and so assume a prison isn’t the kind of place you would want your children to work.

“But I have enjoyed working in the prison service ever since joining at 21. Even though Chloe is working in the prison with me, I know how much she’s enjoying it and she interacts really well with the prisoners and has a great sense of humour. I’m so proud.”

Mr Nantes said that he, like his daughter, joined from college to work through the ranks where he eventually became head of residence at HMP Portland.

He said: “I’m proud to work in the prison service and I’m so proud that Chloe has followed in me and her mother’s footsteps. She’s grown up so quickly and taken everything in her stride.”