RECOVERING drug addicts have heaped praise on a new service which aims to break the link between addiction and crime,

Former crack cocaine and heroin addicts who are rebuilding their lives with the help of drug support workers featured in a video shown at the launch of the Drug Intervention Programme (Dip) in Durham City.

The event, attended by Durham Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Gary Barnett, highlighted the progress already made since the scheme was introduced earlier this year.

Backed by a £440,000 investment by the Government, the 11-strong Dip team in County Durham will help more than 800 drug users who have been involved in crime to obtain treatment and rebuild their lives. As part of the scheme, drug workers will attend when users are arrested, or released from prison, or at any other crisis point in their lives.

Apart from providing support and encouragement, the Dip team can also help to arrange accommodation and employment.

Yesterday's event also launched "247", the first 24- hour-a-day, seven-days-a- week drug helpline to be established in County Durham.

Modelled on a successful scheme in Newcastle, the helpline aims to provide support, advice and information on all aspects of drug use.

Drug users, carers, their friends and family members, as well as professionals who need help, will be able to call the confidential helpline 0844 770 12 13 at any time of the day or night.

Mr Barnett said Durham police would continue to rigorously enforce the war against drugs, but admitted that other ways had to be found to reduce the growing menace of drug-related crime.

"Some people scream for more enforcement, but we can't arrest our way out of this," said Mr Barnett, who pointed out that a large percentage of people who offend were problem drug users.

"If we can get their problems assessed and get treatment in place quickly, we may have a chance of achieving a lasting solution," he said.

Mr Barnett said the believed the Dip team "are the best hope in tackling this problem".

In a video directed and presented by ex-addict Keith Barnes, from Durham City, a succession of former drug users lined up to praise the new service.

Mr Barnes, 26, said: "I realised it was my best chance to get out of drugs.