A REFORMED drug addict today spoke of his battle back from the gutter -- and his plans for a new life in New Zealand.

Stephen Hine, 24, was one of six people who received awards at Blackburn Town Hall after turning their lives around.

And leaving the horrors of mental and physical trauma behind, a former St Bede's High School pupil is planning to emigrate with his girlfriend of four years, Claire, to start again.

More than 100 dignitaries and members of the public gathered for the fifth annual Personality of the Year Award from Those On The Margins Of Society - THOMAS - based at St Anne's Church.

Stephen, of Sarah Street, Darwen, was addicted to heroin for eighteen months and frequently deceived people out of money to fund his habit.

He said: "It is a terrible lifestyle. You get up in the morning and just try and get the money to fund your habit. I would sell my clothes, music and borrow money off people and never give it back.

"No one wants to be addicted. I started dabbling with a few soft drugs and then just thought of trying this but before you know it the drugs have got hold of you.

"Physically and mentally I was very ill and I knew I had a problem."

But reading a copy of the THOMAS magazine Edges inspired Stephen to change.

He said: "My mum showed me the article and I thought they could help. She was so ill with stress and worry."

Stephen became involved in THOMAS sixteen months ago on the rehabilitation programme in Blackburn and then Weston-super-Mare and currently works as a volunteer with the organisation.

"This award means everything" he said. "It is a huge personal achievement and I have been clean nearly a year now. We are currently proceeding with our applications for a twelve month working visa in New Zealand with the aim of starting a new life out there.

"I won't believe that it has happened until I am on the plane - it is so amazing. We have everything to live for. There are so many people out there who want to help you if you are motivated to help yourself."

THOMAS operates drop in centres and works closely with around 30 people a year and its work stopping drug users commit crimes and re-offending has been recognised by the Home Office.

THOMAS's director Fr Jim McCartney said the awards were a celebration for the people who have turned their lives around. A minutes silence was also held to honour the people who have lost their lives to substance abuse.

He said: "We celebrated the achievement of several people we feel have made an outstanding progress during this last year and they have all done marvellously well."

Yunus Ali, of Charlotte Street, Blackburn, received an award after overcoming a "traumatic" marriage break-up.

The 33-year-old is currently studying a foundation course in Oxford with the intention of continuing with a two-year degree in Psychotherapy and Medicine.

With the support of the Interfaith Council of Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Council of Mosques, THOMAS intends to work more closely with the Asian community in Blackburn.

Yunus said: "I had a mental breakdown after the tradition of family networks caused the break down of my twelve-year marriage. I did not even want to wake up the next morning and turned to drug use.

"There are many specific issues which effect the Asian community -- be them marital, romantic, drug related or abuse -- but there are problems asking for help beyond the family. The organisation is working to try and face that."

Oliver Scott, Alex Burk and Lee Nagy were also given awards for their "courageous" success stories.