A PRISON worker from Weymouth has won an award after saving the life of an inmate with cancer.

Neil Coad, who works at the Portland Young Offenders Institute, raised awareness of testicular cancer among prisoners.

As a result he saved the life of at least one person and a further five have undergone investigations.

Neil has now picked up a coveted 'Improving People's Lives Award' from his employers who specialise in educating young offenders in prisons.

Neil said: "It was a really emotional surprise and wonderful to learn so many people had been complimentary.

"I love my job and highlighting the issue of testicular cancer is something I'm passionate about, so it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that I am helping to raise awareness of it.

"If that means saving someone's life, then I am privileged to be in a position which allows me to do that."

Neil teaches 18 to 21-year-old men who are serving sentences up to 10 years, including helping them pass their first aid qualification.

He introduced the cancer awareness sessions on his own initiative.

His employer, training expert A4e, congratulated him introducing the sensitive topic to a tough audience.

Chairman of A4e, Emma Harrison said: "The fact that Neil off his own back tackled the subject head on with the prisoners because he believed that it could help saves lives is truly commendable. He has not only improved people's lives, but he has also saved a person's life, and potentially many more as well."