An ex-prisoner who transformed his life at the age of 38 is now helping others do the same.

Andrew Farnworth  turned his life around after years of drug abuse and criminal activity and now runs a group to support anyone who may be finding life difficult.

This includes homeless people, ex- prisoners and former drug users, as well as those in rehab, unemployed or just want a safe space.

Andrew, from Farnworth, himself fought a hard life growing up, taking cocaine at the age of 13 and getting involved with petty crime.

People even attemd the activities with their kids so they can spend time with them too while boxing or fishing.

The group started in 2014 when Andrew was working with Lifeline, the organisation that helped him when he was trying to change.

He said: "I had set up a football session and it just kind of grew from there.

"We’re in recovery ourselves and this keeps us helping others and all our activities encourage physical activity, because if you’re not physically well, you won’t be mentally well."

With boxing at Elite Thai Boxing in Halliwell twice a week, fishing, cycling, football at Burnden Park, hiking and even walking football.

Andrew said: “I started getting in trouble at 10 for petty theft and crime. I was smoking, drinking, and on drugs by 13. Since my life was a disaster, I want to help others with my life experience.

“I’ve now been clean for 11 years and have a job as a support worker as well as running the Transforming Lives group all week.”

Alongside Andrew, Anthony Carr and Andy Fairclough also co-ordinate activities for the group and have their own battles they have faced.

Anthony from Westhoughton said: “I was a bit of a loner growing up and got into drugs and felt quite depressed.

“I self-harmed and was lucky that in time, since I’m a big believer of time, I would get better.

“I’m still on my recovery journey even now, and it’s the social and mental side of this group that helps massively.”

Andy, also from Farnworth was an engineer before the pandemic, but after losing his job, he became withdrawn until he found the group on a bike ride.

Since then, he has swapped engineering to become a security printer, ensuring the legitimacy of foreign currency.

The group would also like to thank volunteer Eddie Birchall for all his support with the activities.

To find out more go to their website.