PEOPLE throughout East Lancashire are being invited to take part in a candlelit vigil to show support for people struggling with addictions.

Charity project THOMAS - Those on the Margins of Society - will stage the event outside Blackburn Town Hall, tomorrow.

People will hold candles as an act of unity with addicts as well as their friends and relations.

THOMAS chief executive Fr Jim McCartney said: "It's for people throughout East Lancashire who understand the struggle with addiction and to show solidarity for them and the families who suffer with them.

"It's in memory of those who have died from addiction and anyone who has donated to THOMAS in remembrance.

"It's also for people who are caught up in the Christmas spirit who may just want to come along and hold a candle.

"It's only for an hour so we hope we will have a good turnout and hope as many people as possible will turn up."

The project, which operates out of St Anne's House, France Street, close to Blackburn College, has been running for around eight years.

As well as helping addicts it also works with ex-offenders to help in their rehabilitation.

"Human nature has a tendency to turn good things into bad things by using them excessively." says Fr McCartney.

"Last year when I was looking at alcohol and drug addiction in Northern Ireland, I discovered how alcoholism is on the increase.

"However, because alcohol is commonly accepted as a social activity, people are not aware that they have a problem.

"This is one of the major factors connected to excessive behaviour."

He added: "One of the hardest aspects of parenthood is watching your children struggling with their addictions.

"When a drug user lives within the family unit the household becomes dysfunctional.

"The inhabitants of such an environment become physically, emotionally and psychologically wounded."

The vigil will take place outside the town hall between 6pm and 7pm.