Boyle pledges drug charity help

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Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle has pledged to help young people in his Greater Manchester home town fight drink and drug problems.

The 52-year-old, who highlighted the dangers of addiction in his 1996 film Trainspotting, has become a patron of Bury-based charity, Early Break.

Its staff give information, counselling and support to young people across the borough and east Lancashire.

Boyle said he "could not think of a better charity to get involved with".

The director, who recently collected several awards for his film Slumdog Millionaire, was born in nearby Radcliffe.

'Proud' patron

"We worked very hard to make sure Trainspotting wasn't patronising to drug users, and what's impressed me is that Early Break have the same approach," he said.

"The way they work with young people is incredible and really brings about change.

"The imagination and passion that goes into their work is transforming lives.

"It's not easy and it's not successful every time, but without Early Break many young people wouldn't be where they are today.

"Being the service's patron is something I'm proud to do."