Greenwich Council has received a Best Practice Award 2002 for its innovative work with drug users.

Council leadership was praised for forging partnerships between health and local services to improve local provision for drugs users.

The programme's formula is a "one-stop" service which addresses health, social welfare, life skills and the education and career needs of drug users.

Through various methods of treatment, it aims to motivate users to help themselves and prevent relapse into addiction .

The scheme, which has been running since spring 2001, has helped more than 70 people so far and employs six staff.

The Labour in Local Government award was presented to Councillor Chris Roberts by Nick Raynsford MP.