A DRUGS project will pioneer new ways of reaching young people, thanks to a £166,633 windfall.

The cash will spearhead an expansion of Early Break's support services for young people in Bury and Rochdale who suffer drug or alcohol misuse.

In 1999, the National Lottery's Community Fund awarded Early Break £291,000 to extend the service and all targets were met. The latest cash grant from the fund, covering a three-year period, will lead to more innovative work for the project.

Early Break, which gives drugs treatment and information to young people, has grown steadily since its launch nine years ago.

But over the past three years, it has experienced unprecedented growth, breaking all targets and has reached more than 6,000 young people in the past year alone.

The latest funding will help expand Early Break's project and will fund staff, rent, running costs, producing information, travel, research and development and office equipment.

Barbara Jack, service director, said: "I am thrilled that the Community Fund has shown this confidence in Early Break and allocated a second round of funding to us. It means we can strengthen the management team and plan new and innovative ways of reaching out to young people."

New initiatives launched by Early Break include:

Development of a mobile outreach team

Alternative treatment (such as acupuncture and aromatherapy), based in Bury and Rochdale

Advocacy workers who target the hardest to reach

Accommodation link workers who work with young people not living at home.

Ms Jack added: "We're all aware of how drugs can affect young people, often with very serious consequences. But we also know young people can make the right decisions if they are given information and support.

"This extra money for Early Break will help us achieve even more success in this very challenging area of work."