A POSITIVE attitude by staff at Dartmoor Prison has impressed new governor Serena Watts, who brings with her a wealth of experience from the probation service, writes Alison Stephenson. The 53-year-old joined the prison service just six years ago after 15 years in the probation service where she managed hostels, worked with magistrates and crown courts and was a senior probation officer at Feltham Young Offenders? Institution. It was the latter job which fired her interest in the prison service ? she decided to ?come across? under a fast track scheme and has never looked back. As head of residence at Erlestoke Prison, Mrs Watts worked with her predecessor at Dartmoor, Claudia Sturt, when she was governor of Erlestoke: ?I had a lot of respect for Claudia and I know the staff were sad to see her go,? she said. ?I realise it is a very difficult role to step into, but I hope in time I will earn the respect of everyone here ? it will be a case of me getting out there, alongside the staff and meeting the challenges that are just around the corner.? Mrs Watts said there was a real ?can do? culture at Dartmoor and she had been bowled over by the different opportunities and initiatives for prisoners, such as courses and workshops run by North Devon College, enhancing skills programmes, improving numeracy and literacy and working with local employers. In the last two years Dartmoor has risen from its position as the third worst prison in the UK to its current ranking among the top 50%. It has changed to a more open category C prison and won accolades for its staff, public service and its rehabilitation schemes. Mrs Watts, who has been acting deputy governor of Bristol Prison since December last year, added: ?I am impressed by the team here and the work that has been done. Everyone I have met so far has been very positive and it is brilliant to come in as governor with such a motivated team behind me.? ?My aim is to see prisoners when they are released from here as more rounded characters with the ability to make better choices in life ? dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, managing anger, holding down jobs and having good family relationships.?