A FORMER heroin addict has presented his prison officer with an award for "saving his life".

John Quinn, 29, of Darwen, started experimenting with drugs at 11 and was a heroin addict by 15.

His life was in turmoil and he did not see a way out until he met Kevin White while he was serving a two-year sentence for burglary at Lancaster Prison.

The prison officer put him in touch with Blackburn charity THOMAS (Those on the Margins of a Society), which helps addicts kick their addiction.

And to thank the man who turned his life around, he handed over the Outstanding Achievement Award during the THOMAS annual awards at Blackburn Town Hall.

John said: "This is the happiest I have ever been since I was a young lad. If it wasn't for Kevin I wouldn't have started with the scheme which has saved my life.

"The only way to describe my life before was hell, and that's putting it nicely. I completely lost control of everything and the difference is amazing."

After advice from Kevin and finishing his prison sentence in September, John said he had wanted to change.

He went straight into one of the three homes used by THOMAS as part of a scheme where residents are supervised 24 hours a day, are not allowed out at night and receive daily therapy.

Father Jim McCartney, founder and chief executive of THOMAS, said: "People who come to us are on the verge of death, not having the skills to deal with society and I want to thank Kevin for helping us to help them."

John, who is living at the house in Livesey, Blackburn, will return to his home, in Marsh House Lane, Darwen, in time for Christmas after completing his time with the scheme.

Mr White said: "The lads have to go through some intense routines to complete the scheme and I am honoured to help, so this award is just fantastic. John and all of them have done so well.

"I enjoy my job very much and when this time of year comes around, to see the results is fantastic - especially this year."

Other awards went to selected residents of THOMAS who had successfully passed through the scheme over the last year and recognition was given to staff for their voluntary support.

THOMAS, set up in 1993, won the community group and readers' choice awards at last year's Lancashire Evening Telegraph Pride of East Lancashire awards.