AN "inspirational" governor who transformed a troubled women's prison near Bromsgrove is to be transferred to a new jail.

Veronica Bird, who has overseen Brockhill Prison, at Tardebigge, during more than two turbulent years, is moving to New Hall Prison, in West Yorkshire, in October.

She will be leaving behind Brockhill's 159-strong prison population to take charge of the new women's prison, which has up to 385 inmates.

Miss Bird arrived in November 1998 but in April the following year the prison was criticised by a Government inspector for poor suicide prevention procedures.

Other issues included young offenders sharing accommodation with adults.

But, despite the problems, in March 2000 a report released by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons said it had been "turned around" and singled out Veronica Bird, as the driving force.

At the time, HM chief inspector of prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, said: "The governor has achieved a tremendous amount since she took over.

"Her inspirational leadership and understanding of women prisoners' needs has inspired staff to turn the prison around in a relatively short space of time."

A Prison Service spokesman said: "We can confirm Miss Bird will be moving to New Hall Prison in October."

New Hall's governor, Mike Sheperd, will be taking over her position.