A 24 YEAR OLD woman who felt she had reached 'rock bottom' because of drugs had resolved to rid herself of her habit.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Nicola Margaret Bell appeared in court "very proud of herself" because she had gone two days without heroin or any substitute.

And defence solicitor Roger Pickles said Bell was desperate to put drugs behind her so that she could rebuild her life.

Bell, of Cleveleys Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to stealing a video recorder and a kettle together worth £99 from T J Hughes. She was remanded on bail until December 27 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said Bell was seen to leave the store with the property and, once outside, hand it over to a man. The property was recovered and the man had also been arrested.

Mr Pickles said it was the age old story of heroin taking hold of someone's life and pulling them down.