DRUG workers released 150 balloons this week to celebrate the work of services in Malvern and Wednesday's National Tackling Drugs Day.

As part of its Changing Lives, Making Communities Safer Campaign, the county Substance Misuse Action Team organised a half-day event to recognise the efforts and commitment of drug workers.

Each balloon represented ten people receiving treatment within the county last year. Of these, about 150 were from Malvern, nine per cent of all individuals in treatment in the county.

Phil Deakin of the team said: "In the last few years, there has been a massive increase in the number of individuals accessing treatment. This event is an opp-ortunity to say thank you."

If you are concerned about someone's drug use, contact 0800 652 9664, 0800 776600 or log on to www.talktofrank.com. If you are a young person and you want to talk to someone about drugs, call 0800 169 6064.