La Moye Prison currently has about 170 inmates

The overcrowding, plus refurbishment work being carried out at La Moye Prison, means the chapel is being used as a recreation area.

There are plans for a temporary chapel while a more permanent one is built.

Meanwhile, the prison's chaplain, Captain John Le Page, is asking people to think of prisoners over the Christmas period.

'Emotionally painful'

Captain Le Page said he and the prisoners are finding it difficult not having a space in which to worship. He says not being able to use the chapel is making his job much harder.

Jersey's prison has about 170 prisoners at the moment. The facility was originally built to hold just 140 inmates.

Captain Le Page said: "Normally people would be beginning to think in terms of what is going to happen at this exciting time of year.

"But, for them, it will be far from exciting, particularly those who are parents and are separated from their children.

"It can be very emotionally painful at this time."

He said he will be offering religious services on Christmas Day and will be delivering a letter and gift to each inmate.