Drugs and alcohol charity set up

A charity to help people in South Gloucestershire with drug and alcohol addictions is launched on Monday.

The '2 Bridges Drug and Alcohol Trust' aims to provide education; support; and training for drug care workers.

David Warren, from South Gloucs Council, said: "The charity will help fund the drug and alcohol services which are struggling to meet demands."

Patrons include Michael Howard MP, ex-rugby player Gareth Chilcott, and Gloucestershire cricketer Jack Russell.

Mr Warren added: "Not only are individual lives being ruined by substance abuse, but families and carers' lives can also be devastated.

"Everyone in society is affected by problems associated with drugs and alcohol through increased crime, accidents and higher insurance premiums."