NSW prison officer recaptures escapee

A NSW correctional officer has recaptured a prison escapee while on his way to work in the state's Northern Tablelands region.

Doug Reynolds was driving along the remote Gwydir Highway to Glen Innes Correctional Centre for his shift on Wednesday morning when he came across one of two men who had escaped the facility on Tuesday night, a spokeswoman from Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) says.

Mr Reynolds said he initially stopped for the man because he thought his car might have broken down.

"When I got closer, I noticed he was wearing prison greens," he said.

CSNSW said the 33-year-old escapee, who was soaking wet from the rain, complied with Mr Reynold's request to get in the vehicle before he was handed in at Glen Innes police station.

"He [Mr Reynolds] didn't even have to get out of his car," the spokeswoman told AAP.

The inmate would have been eligible for parole in six months but is expected to be charged and could face up to two extra years in prison.

CSNSW Acting Commissioner Luke Grant praised Mr Reynolds for his bravery.

Officers are still searching for the second escapee, 32-year-old Marcus Buchannan, who was serving a one-year sentence at the centre for assault.

He is described as Aboriginal, of medium build, 165cm tall, with brown hair and brown eyes.

In addition, he is missing part of his little finger on his right hand and has various tattoos including a cross on his left hand.

He is still on the run, with NSW police expected to issue further information on Wednesday afternoon.