Inmates allowed padded bras

Jails in the UK have been instructed to allow sex-change inmates to have padded bras and make-up.

The detailed set of mandatory guidelines circulated by the Ministry of Justice states: "Transsexual people, particularly those who have not undergone surgery or extended hormone therapy, may use various items to assist with their presentation in their acquired gender".

"These can range from sophisticated prostheses to padded bras. Regardless of their level of sophistication, access to them can only be restricted in exceptional circumstances."

Prison officers will have to follow the 20-page instructions from next week.