Staff from a Leeds drugs project which helps addicts get out of crime and wean themselves off heroin have been shortlisted for a national award.
* Click here to sign up to free news and sport email alerts from your YEP.The Leeds Drug Intervention Programme (DIP) was named by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell on Friday as a finalist in the Drugs and Criminal Justice System category of the Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards.
The awards celebrate the unsung heroes who go over and above the call of duty in tackling drug use.
Two overall winners will be announced on December 9 at a London ceremony. They will each receive £10,000 for their organisation.
Mr Campbell said: "This year we received more than 200 nominations for drug workers and teams who every day help tackle drug misuse and change lives.
"Their work helps reduce drug-related crime in our communities; increases the number of drug misusers entering and finishing treatment and ensures there is tough enforcement of the law."
Leeds DIP is run by northern regional social inclusion charity, Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities (DISC). It provides a range of services for drug addicted criminals from its 'one-stop' shop in Mabgate.
Well over half of the 501 cases referred to the DIP have successfully entered and completed treatment.
Project manager Anna Tassell said: "It's really rewarding for the team to be recognised in this way."
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