La Moye Prison currently has about 170 inmates

Mike Kirby is rejoining his family, who could not settle in Jersey.

He is two years into his five year contract as governor of La Moye.

Mr Kirby says he is sad to be leaving but is looking forward to rejoining his wife and son and teenage daughter in South Shields in the north-east of England.

He says his main challenge during that time has been the steady growth in Jersey's prison population, which he hopes will be eased by the new prison building.

Mr Kirby is hoping to find work in the UK Prison Service.