A FORMER South Lakeland heroin addict, turned author, who has launched a pioneering new scheme aimed at helping young offenders, has spoken of the need to tackle Kendal's "hidden drug problem".
Mark Johnson made his comments as he launched his autobiography Wasted, which describes his childhood, partly spent in Kendal, and his descent into drug addiction and crime.
Seven years ago, Mr Johnson, 36, lived on the streets of London, begging and stealing his way to his next heroin fix.
Infested with body lice, dressed in rags and weighing just seven-and-a-half stones, he had no contact with his partner or two young children.
Today, Mr Johnson's world has changed dramatically. He is back in contact with his family, is a friend of Prince Charles and frequently addresses politicians and policymakers about how to tackle youth crime.
For full story see the May 11 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.
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