It's often assumed that chaplaincy is a provision for Christians.

But prisons are also catering to smaller faiths - including paganism.

Seven pagan chaplains to be paid up to £29,176 pro rata are sought to minister to prisoners across the country.

The job description for the post asks for someone with experience in the pagan tradition to "act as faith advisor in the establishment providing advice, pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff and their families as requested".

The chaplains will be expected to "provide for the religious care of prisoners and staff in the Pagan faith tradition", the adverts, posted on the Government website, says.

The incumbent must also "possess the confidence and expertise to lead open ritual, officiate in Rites of Passage, and run workshops for mixed Pagan traditions within the prison system."

The person who takes on the role is expected to join a multi-faith team catering for prisoners in each area.

Chaplains are sought for prisons in areas covering the Isle of Wight and in Winchester, Styal, Hindley, Manchester, and Risley, and in Erlestoke and Guys Marsh.

At least one of the roles is for a replacement chaplain and they are understood to be part of a longstanding policy to cater for pagan prisoners.