A GOVERNMENT Minister whose son died of a heroin overdose fought back tears as he opened a flagship addiction unit for prisoners yesterday.

Ian McCartney, whose 23-year-old son died days after leaving prison, almost broke down when opening the Fresh Start clinic for women prisoners at HMP Low Newton, Durham City.

The programme is the first of its kind to target female prisoners.

With about 80 per cent of women in prison taking drugs, and 70 per cent of reoffenders being held on drugs charges, yesterday saw the launch of the latest high-profile campaign to contain the prisons drugs menace.

The centre will be run as a partnership between the Prison Service and Addaction, a national drugs charity.

The Fresh Start programme lasts six months and includes drug counselling, job training and personal skills that will help the women to cope when released.

In September last year, Mr McCartney's son died from a heroin overdose in his Glasgow flat. He had spent three weeks in prison for a minor offence.

He bit his lip as he told prison staff and inmates: "If a unit like this had been available in Glasgow for Hugh, perhaps he would still be here today.

"My son had been on a methadone programme while in prison, but there was no support for him when he left.

"Projects like this one in Durham are the key to breaking the downward spiral of despair caused by drug misuse."

Mr McCartney also pledged an extra £103m for expanding drugs prevention work over the next three years.

Christine Gradwell, 40, has three weeks to run of a ten-year sentence for supplying heroin and cocaine. She volunteered for the scheme.

She said: "I didn't touch drugs before I came to prison - I only dealt them. I was soon taking heroin once or twice a week with most of the other inmates.

"With this new scheme you don't get any time to yourself so you are constantly occupied.

"It has given me new skills and a sense of responsibility, and I am proud to say I will walk out that door clean.