A REFORMED drug addict is looking to help rehabilitate young people in the area by opening a new centre and encouraging them to share their experiences.

Stephen Smith used to live on the streets in Blackburn after becoming addicted to amphetamine and ended up falling into a life of crime.

However he has now been off drugs for 38 years and in 1997 a BBC documentary was produced on his biography Addict which told the story of his addiction and recovery.

He is now looking to open a 'Newstart Centre' in Blackburn to help rehabilitate young people who have faced similar issues.

He is also calling for extras to come forward to share their drug and alcohol stories for a new TV documentary in Blackburn to go out later this year.

Mr Smith, 74, said he wants to help people in Blackburn as that is the area where he ended up on the streets 50 years ago.

He said: "Reflecting on my own wasted youth I sincerely believe all this can make a difference in Blackburn.

"When you're addicted the only thing that counts is the next fix, and the only way of getting that money is crime.

"If you steal a mobile phone off a table or rob £5million from a bank, it's the same thing, it's still stealing.

"I'd get on the train and finish up in Blackburn, but I could have been in Australia, I had no idea what was happening.

"I'm getting older, I'm not going to live forever and I want to get that message out there to young kids.

"People just turn a blind eye to it, but we all have a responsibility to help people."

Mr Smith said he became addicted to amphetamine when he was 14 and began a life of crime which began by snatching a woman's handbag and spiralled to see him being involved with multi-million jewel thieves.

So far he has raised £100,000 for the 'Newstart Centre' and estimated it would cost around £500,000 for the complete centre.

He is currently looking for a premises to run the centre and hopes for it to be ready to open within six months.

The facility would look to help people recovering from drug and alcohol problems by working out the best programme for them and helping them get them back into work or education.

He said the BBC have showed interest in his documentary, which will feature him talking about his life and journey, and he is hopefully it will be picked up for television later this year.

Anyone who wants to share their story for the documentary can write to him at 43 Greek Street, Stockport, SK3 8AX or email at stephen@stephensmith.us.

An update version of his biography has also been released on Amazon and will be available in shops later this year.