A DOCTOR who opened the North-East's first specialist drug treatment surgery has had his pioneering work recognised.

In 2001, Dr Ian Guy opened the Fulcrum Centre, in Middlesbrough, to focus on the needs of people with drug addiction.

Now Mayor Ray Mallon has given an award to the GP, who has retired from running the centre, to mark his contribution to tackling the town's drug problems.

Dr Guy set up the practice, with the support of Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, with the aim of reducing the length of time people with a drugs problem had to wait to get treatment.

He said: "It was based on the fact there is a very small window of opportunity when you are treating someone with this problem. If you don't take it, you could lose them for months.

"Since we began our work, there are better facilities for medical treatment and more social support to help people find housing and education. The Drug Action Team does a tremendous job.

"I am very pleased to have contributed to this progress and I am glad for myself and my colleagues that the work is being acknowledged in this way."

Despite retiring from the management of the practice, which operates in Middlesbrough and Grangetown, Dr Guy continues to work part-time.

Mr Mallon said: "Dr Guy has made a tremendous contribution to the health and wellbeing of the town. He has made sure that people with a drugs problem get the timely and professional support they need to minimise the harm they can cause themselves, their families and community and to get well again.

"He has also set the standard for debate on the treatment of people with a drugs problem and how we tackle it in Middlesbrough, helping ensure that all agencies contribute to the solution."