A BURNLEY mum-of-two who works to tackle drugs and alcohol misuse was today named as the best in the North West.

Laura Brown, who works at the Maden Children's Centre in Bacup, has been awarded the prestigious title of the region's Drug Worker of the Year' in the Home Office's Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives awards.

The 39-year-old, who lives in Burnley with her two sons, Joshua, 14, and Marlie, two, is among nine other regional winners who will now be considered for the honour of becoming national Drug Worker of the Year'.

The awards aim to recognise the work of those who are taking action to tackle drug issues in their local community.

Laura works with around 90 families and 300 young people in Rossendale to help them deal with the problems that lead parents and children into alcohol and drug misuse.

Based at Bacup's Sure Start centre in Rochdale Road, Laura helps vulnerable people access the services they need including one-to-one therapy, home visits, accessing benefits and training or helping get them in touch with social services.

And she often goes beyond the call of duty by making herself available outside working hours to ensure the people she works with have someone to turn.

Her dedication has helped, on average, seven out of 10 substance abusers she works with stablise after she gets involved.

The former marketing manager retrained as a psychotherapist after discovering she had a knack for communicating with people and deciding that she wanted a more worthwhile job.

Laura, who lives with partner Jimmy, 35, said: "I always say that my job is to work out what problems people have and help them solve them.

"Their problems might lead to drink or drug misuse but these are just symptoms it's the underlying cause that needs to be addressed.

"For the size of the population, substance misuse in Bacup is quite a big problem.

"It's a very demanding job. You always think you could do more or you could go that bit further. But it is nice for people to say you do a good job."

She was nominated for the award by Sure Start manager Michaela Francioli, who said: "She is there for families throughout their journey."

The national winners will be announced on May 23.