A DRUGS' project run by a church man has been so successful that it is used as an example to other areas of the country.

The THOMAS scheme has helped drug users stop their habit and homeless people off the streets and into work.

Strange, then, that Blackburn with Darwen Council has decided to cut funding to Father Jim McCartney's THOMAS charity.

Father Jim -- already under pressure from the devastating blaze which ripped through his St Anne's Church last year -- has asked for an increase in funding from the council's Social Regeneration Budget.

He must have been left looking at the skies for inspiration when he received notice that the amount of money he would get will be less than previous years.

The menace of drugs in Blackburn is known only too well to families whose sons and daughters are hooked on heroin or crack cocaine.

And the Blackburn police drugs' operation taking place yesterday and today only highlights further the problems facing this town.

The council says that while it recognises the importance of the project, competition for cash is fierce and no further money is available in the financial year.

It says it will meet with Father Jim to discuss other funding sources.

Let's hope the council can find some.

Otherwise, we may no longer hear tales like the reformed drug addict who won a place in Cambridge.

And, after Jack Straw said he would like to see a THOMAS scheme in every town, we may find we don't even have one in ours.