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A charity that rehabilitates ex-prisoners is urging businesses across the South West to consider employing former offenders.

Somerset-based Key4Life, which also works with young men at risk of going to prison, is hosting a workshop in Bristol on October 8 with potential employers.

The charity’s work includes preparing former offenders for the job market and getting them work placements and permanent positions.

Key4Life already works with tens of businesses including BT, Leon, Nisbets, CBRE and Yeo Valley.

“Companies have a vital role to play in helping to prevent the cycle of crime by giving ex-offenders another chance so they don’t simply return to their former ways due to lack of opportunities,” a Key4Life spokesperson said.

“I’ve been amazed to see so many amazing young men, who have typically had a rough start in life, turn their lives around through the opportunity given to them.”

According to Key4Life, Covid-19 could bring a rise in crime as the pandemic crisis hits the economy and said its work was "increasingly vital".

The charity also runs a programme - called Unlock - to help people address "negative behaviours" through music, football, equine therapy, neuro-linguistic programming and emotional release sessions.