A FORMER drug addict has turned his life around thanks to a community project which helped bring a neglected allotment back to life.

Patrick Leonard, 44, even landed a job at his beloved Burnley FC after taking part in the scheme which is run by the Open Door Centre in Colne.

The father-of-one spent 15 years struggling with an amphetamine addiction before turning to the charity, which runs a cafe and drop-in centre offering training, support, counselling and food packages to those with complex needs.

He became heavily involved in the charity's Open Gate Community Growing Garden off Castle Road - a neglected allotment inherited by Colne Town Council which had become overgrown and plagued by flytipping.

The award-winning scheme allows people to learn about gardening and helps tackle social isolation while supplying fresh produce to the Open Door Cafe.

Mr Leonard said: "I was having problems with drugs and then I got involved with Open Door doing some voluntary work to help build my confidence. I got involved in courses and groups to help with anxiety and depression.

"I had 15 years struggling with drugs. I was not able to work during that time and I remember very little about those years. That part is a blackout for me."

Mr Leonard was one of the first to get involved in the community garden about two years ago.

"It was a mess. There were weeds everywhere," he said.

"It was a case getting rid of all the weeds and building raised beds for fruit and vegetables, building a shed, greenhouse and all sorts of stuff.

"I had never done anything like that before. If I'm being honest I was a bit dubious but when I got involved in it it was really good. My confidence started to come back and I have been able to go back to work.

"It gave me a sense of achievement. You could see things growing and changing.

"We got best newcomer at the allotment awards in the first year and I felt very proud to have been involved in that.

"I was there twice a week for about 12 months and I still pop down now to help when I can."

The Clarets season ticket holder, who has one daughter Jenah Louise, 21, was then offered the chance to work as a groundsman at Turf Moor through an old school friend.

He said: "To get that job made me feel like I was moving forward and it was extra special with being a Burnley fan."

The work involved helping with the pitch surface and doing anything else that needed doing at the stadium and training group in Gawthorpe.

"Open Door has really helped especially Dawn Lange and Catrina Higson. Without them I do not know what would have happened to me. I now feel hopeful for the future."

Mr Leonard now has a full time job working for furniture stockists Furnico Ltd.

Mrs Lange, Open Door centre manager, said: "People come in to us at different stages.

"Some just bob in a couple of times and with some it is more long-term.

"It is rewarding when you see someone like Patrick. For him to get to where he is now is fantastic.

"He was at the depths. Any longer and I don't think he would have been with us. He was one of the worst in terms of his drug problems.

"Now he's doing really well. He did lots of courses with us which kept his brain active and when he started volunteering on the allotment he just flew. At first he said he would go a couple of times and quickly he became heavily involved. It was that that got him ready for work."

For more information on Open Door phone 01282 860342.