MP Kate Green visited Stretford probation to learn more about the work being carried out by the Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company across her constituency.

The politician, who is Labour’s shadow spokesperson for disabled people, met with a deaf offender before meeting with staff who work in a range of areas.

Ms Green has a long-standing interest in the criminal justice service, having served as a magistrate in London as well as having participated in a commission that looked at ways to keep girls out of custody.

She said: “The work being carried out by the skilled professionals in probation is particularly important during an environment of cuts, in which services are having to think how best to deliver vital work during a period of reduced budgets.

“There is a lot of good work being done and I was excited to see that, as well as to learn about the freedom that now enables staff to get out into the community and carry out fantastic work.”

Kate met Sarah - not her real name - who was arrested for causing trouble while drunk.

Sarah is profoundly deaf, and is supervised by probation services officer Cheryl Topping, who uses a sign language translator to communicate with her.

Cheryl runs Trafford’s women offenders’ reporting centre, which links in with support from WomenMATTA, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable women.

Sarah said: “I’ve got problems with drinking. Probation has helped me, I speak about my drink problem and we look at ways to decrease the amount of alcohol I drink.”