FORMER addicts who have turned their lives around were honoured at an awards ceremony.

Blackburn-based charity Those on the Margins of Society, known as THOMAS, held the annual event to recognise the achievements of its clients and volunteers.

One by one, the winners were introduced by staff and received their awards from Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Mohammed Khan at the ceremony in the council chamber.

Some of the group had moved on to gain professional qualifications, while others helped out new recruits at the centre.

The top award was saved for 34-year-old Carl Molyneux, who is studying for a degree and taking part in a health trainer project at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

There was also a special prize for dedicated volunteer Ann Slater, 74, who spends an incredible 40 hours helping out each week.

Speaking afterwards, Ann, who has helped with THOMAS for 13 years, said: “It was a surprise. I have been here 13 years and I don’t know what else I would do.”

After the ceremony Blackburn MP Jack Straw was the guest of honour as he opened the new THOMAS rehab unit at Witton Bank.