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Latest figures show there were 898 followers behind bars – up from 669 just five years ago.

Nine are at high-security Wakefield jail, West Yorks, dubbed Monster Mansion.

But the largest number, 31, are held at category B Lowdham Grange in Nottingham. There are also 23 in Humber jail – formerly the Wolds and Everthorpe prisons.

A source told us: “Mormons tend to be pretty nice – in fact they are a bit bland.

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“They tend to be polite and friendly and in prison that is to be welcomed.”

Mormons follow the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah in the U.S.

They can get three extra days off each year for religious holidays.

They celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24, marking the arrival of the first Mormons in Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

Followers also celebrate the building of their first church on April 6.

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Glyn Travis of the Prison Officers Association said: “We respect the right of prisoners to follow a religion of choice.

“But each religion comes with its own requirements and staff are bound to try and accommodate them.

“With a reduction in staff numbers and cost cutting, this puts an added strain on the system.”

Mr Travis warned that some inmates may be converting for an easier life.

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He added: “Prisoners try to beat the system.

“If they think a particular religion ensures an easier time in jail, some will fake an allegiance.”

Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in the 19th Century and focuses on family values. Followers include singing star Donny Osmond.

One theory puts the surge in Mormons down to a rise in foreign prisoners being held in UK jails.