A pioneering Kirklees group which helps criminals kick their drug habits has set up a national support service via the Internet.

It is hoped the move, which has won the backing of the Government's drug Tzar, Keith Hellawell, will have a marked impact on drug-related crime throughout the country.

The Kirklees Drugs referral project, which aims to cut crime by overcoming addiction, launched the site to help similar groups in other parts of Britain. The Government is currently spending around £20 million on expanding such schemes.

Chris Thornton, arrest referral officer for the Kirklees project, said: "These schemes provide crucial support and treatment for people arrested for drugs offences. It is a real bid to help them stop and think."

He added: "Our project was a real breakthrough, creating a lot of national interest, and has since been copied and adapted in other parts of the UK."

The new site will help groups keep in touch and promote good practice between them.

Mr Thornton said it would hopefully lead to the formation of more projects, making a significant impact on the national problem. It will also provide a full index of referral schemes in Britain.

Set up in 1997, the Kirklees project involves a large number of organisations including the Lifeline Drugs Agency, Huddersfield and Dewsbury Police divisions, Kirklees Council and the health and probation services.

First time offenders have the chance to opt for help and treatment instead of traditional punishment.

Kirklees Drugs Police Co-ordinator DC Alan Laurie said it was not a "soft option" but a chance to break the cycle between drug abuse and crime. Home Office figures show that as an alternative to jail, drug schemes had more than a 60 per cent success rate.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.