Football used to beat addictions

Football is to be used to help people beat addictions to alcohol and drugs.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker has launched an initiative by Darlington Football Club and the borough's Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

Football trainers will help coach substance abusers and give them healthy leisure opportunities.

The project is part of the first leg of a nationwide tour by the minister to see how projects to reduce crime are being delivered at a local level.

Vernon Coaker said: "The project demonstrates that it is only when the community and agencies come together that a difference is made."

Kevin Stonehouse, from Darlington Football Club's Community Team, said: "The team normally works with children but we want to include the whole of the community in our activities and this is a great opportunity for us to do that."