A football project which aims to help drug users kick the habit ended in a thrilling tournament.

Between 50 and 60 drug service users from Teesside's four Drug Action Teams (DATs) split into eight five-a-side squads and underwent weeks of coaching to prepare for the competition.

Teams from the Pathway Project, in Stockton, and Lifeline, in Middlesbrough, contested the final.

With the full-time score 5-5, Pathway won the trophy after a penalty shoot-out.

The scheme is designed to get drug users out of crime and into treatment, while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Presenting the trophy, Sue Maddison, of Stockton DAT, said: "This was a really positive event. Too often we hear about the negative side of people's lives. Here we have an example of people who have taken the opportunity to turn their lives around.

"Everyone attending the event was a winner and showed their commitment to building healthier lifestyles."

Marc De Lucia, sports development officer at the University of Teesside, who helped prepare the players for the event, said: "We have been delighted with the success of the recent football initiative. Over the past eight weeks, the fitness and health of the drug service users has improved."