A FORMER drug addict and thief who turned his life around after finding God is setting up a project to support offenders on their release from jail.

Darren Armstrong, aged 33, from Radcliffe, once funded his drug habit by committing robberies and thefts, and spent years in and out of prison.

But five years ago he went to Kings Church in Knowsley Street, after receiving a leaflet through his letterbox.

It proved to be a turning point in his life, and he has since completed a sports development degree at The University of Bolton.

He is now setting up a project in Bolton, called Be Strong, to support offenders when they come out of prison and hopes to be an inspiration to others. The father-of-five has received a £2,600 grant to get the scheme off the ground.

Mr Armstrong said: “I was a prolific offender and I was in and out of prison.

“I would be OK for a few weeks, and then would fall back into bad habits of the life I knew — drugs and crime. I have now found God and the people at the church treat me nicely and care for me.

“I want to give other offenders hope, and show them if I can do it they can too. I know how hard it is to get your life back on track after being in prison, and it is important to have a goal to focus on.”

The former Mount St Joseph’s pupil said he was living on the streets when he was 14, and became addicted to amphetamines and crack cocaine when he was 15.

He now works full time at Chatterton Hey House in Edenfield, a rehab centre for people with drug problems.

He hopes the Be Strong project will start next year. Mr Armstrong plans to visit prisons to sign people up and give them something to look forward to when they are released.

The grant from UnLtd Millennium Awards, which is funded by the income from a legacy of £100 million granted by the Millennium Commission, will pay for hiring a minibus and activities such as gym membership.

Anyone interested in donating funds to the project can email bestrong@live.co.uk amanda.smith@theboltonnews.co.uk