A DRUG advisor with the Shaw Trust has been named as the drug worker of the year for the south west.

Andy Wright, 45, who lives in Trowbridge, has been a drug advisor for the Chippenham-based charity for more than two years and much of his work is carried out in North Wiltshire including Cricklade, Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and Chippenham.

He has cerebral palsy, which limits his mobility but not his ability to help former drug users into jobs, training or education.

He was recognised for his work by the Tackling Drugs Changing Lives campaign for taking direct positive action to combat drug issues in his local community.

He said: "I was surprised to be given the award to say the least, and even though I am working as part of a team, it's great to be recognised for my work.

"You really do have to be sympathetic to a client's plight and listen to what they want in order to achieve their goals.

"Because of my disability I know what it's like to go to an interview and get nowhere because of your personal situation. So it helps me appreciate the difficulties my clients face and vice versa."