PRISON officers in Portland, Dorchester and Shaftesbury returned to work following a national strike over pay and conditions.

Around 30 members of the Prison Officers' Association (POA) working at the Verne picketed the prison before the government obtained a court injunction against the action.

Association members at the island's Young Offender Institution, Dorchester Prison and Guy's Marsh returned to work following pledges of new talks over pay.

Ian Prudames, POA branch secretary at the Verne, said: "Our members are now back at work but the message we've got is if future talks break down we'll be walking out and won't be going back."

Association members want pay increases above the rate of inflation and were rallied in the early hours to picket their workplaces.

Verne officer and POA committee member Andy Fear said: "This action is over the pay awards and deals we've been getting for the last 15 years, which have all been below the rate of inflation.

"With the increase in the prison population and increase in assaults it's about time we get paid for the job we do now.

"At the moment we're not getting the pay we deserve."

Fellow officer and POA committee member Rod Smallwood said: "Our members don't take this action lightly. We don't want to be doing this because it causes anxiety, stress and worry for our staff.

"We hope this comes to a swift conclusion so we can get back to work and do the jobs we're supposed to be doing."

Verne governor Denise Hodder was not available for comment.

Mike Sear, chairman of Dorchester Prison's branch of the POA, said members had not tried to stop people entering the prison and normal services like postal deliveries continued.

He said: "The POA is not an aggressive union but unfortunately we have been forced into this situation. It's something we don't want to do. The last time there was action here was in the late 1990s when we were out for one hour."

He said the strike had been fully supported by members.

Dorchester Prison's governor Tony Corcoran said prisoners had to be locked in their cells for longer than usual and education classes and work sessions were cancelled.

He said: "A substantial number of prison officers and senior officers are out and we are running the prison with staff on governors' grades.

"We had 230 prisoners in and they have been very well-behaved and understand the situation. It does mean prisoners have to stay locked in their cells more than usual.

"I am content that the jail is safe and the public is not at any risk."

Police officers, including dog handlers, were drafted in to maintain secure perimeters around the prisons while the action continues.

Dorset Police's Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting said: "The role of Dorset Police during the industrial action was to maintain 24-hour security outside the perimeter of the prisons to deter any escape attempts by prisoners and to ensure the safety of the public as well as prisoners.

"Our objective was to keep Dorset safe and officers worked closely with the prison service to provide support and to also provide public reassurance. Detailed contingency plans were in place to ensure public safety, which is Dorset Police's primary concern."

The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw described the national strikes as 'deeply regrettable and wholly unjustifiable'.