The hunger strike among a small number of inmates at Victoria Road prison ended at the weekend,

The one remaining prisoner who was continuing to refuse his meals ended his protest on Saturday.

Nine prisoners started the action at the beginning of the month in protest at the smoking ban which came into effect in March.

The Department of Home Affairs says members of the prison healthcare team are continuing to monitor all those who have been involved in the protest at any stage.

They say at no time did any of the prisoners give cause for concern regarding their health.