A youth worker from a Norwich-based drug and alcohol charity has won a prestigious government award which recognises people who have changed the lives of drug abusers.

Bruce Hughes, 42, who has worked at the Matthew Project since 2003, was one of 28 people from across the country who had been shortlisted for a Home Office Tackling Drugs Changing Lives award for his work with young people.

The awards recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes who go beyond the call of duty in tackling drug use in communities. Bruce's achievement means the matthew Project has been awarded £10,000.

Bruce said: "Working with young people is very rewarding. Quite often, all they need is someone to listen to them and empathise with their concerns and the issues they might have.

"It's great to be nominated for this award and be recognised at national level. I have had brilliant support from the Matthew Project team, who backed me all the way, and it's been particularly enjoyable to work in partnership with the local police and the community in Mulbarton."

Between April and September 2008, Bruce took the Voicebox, the Matthew Project's highly visible mobile unit, to Mulbarton 24 times, and ran workshops on giving up smoking, alcohol awareness and drug-driving.

The team was also able to deal with a wide range of issues raised by the young people themselves such as safe sex, employ-ment and educational opportunities.

During the project, the number of antisocial behaviour crimes dropped by 37pc and the number of calls from the public about antisocial behaviour dropped by 55pc.

The Matthew Project aims to share God's love by offering unconditional and confidential help to young people, their families and communities affected by drugs and alcohol. The charity offers drugs education to helps young people understand the risks of substance abuse and to make wise choices.