FOUR years ago Darren Sharrock hit the headlines as a Chorley cabbie caught driving while high on heroin.

He was sentenced to 140 hours community service and banned from driving for three years at Chorley Magistrates' Court.

But this week 31-year-old Darren, who was addicted to heroin for 10 years, spoke to the Citizen to offer a message of hope to others after he successfully turned his life around.

He has just received the Merseyside Prince's Trust Outstanding Achievement Award for his work with young people aged 16-25 from similar backgrounds to his own.

Darren's road to ruin began when, at the age of 14, he started taking cannabiswhen he lived on Moor Road, Chorley.

He soon progressed to taking ecstasy, and by 17, was hooked on heroin along with many of his friends, some of whom are now dead from drug abuse.

At the age of 27, he was stopped by police while driving for a local cab firm after bingeing on the drug.

"As soon as I stood up in court I realised I needed to make major changes in my life," said Darren.

"The doctor told me if I carried on I'd be dead within two years.

"I'm glad I was caught, it was the best thing that ever happened to me."

After being sentenced, officers from the probation service offered Darren a place at Phoenix House, a self-help drugs rehabilitation centre on the Wirral.

"I wouldn't wish rehab on my worst enemy. I literally didn't sleep for six weeks." said Darren.

"It's so strict you can't have posters of women on your walls and you can't listen to rap music because of the references to gangster culture and drugs." Darren left rehabilitation after eight months, exactly three years ago this week.

He gained a place on a personal development course with the Prince's Trust and then became a Trust volunteer on a year-long programme in Birkenhead.

Bosses were impressed and offered him a two-year contract. This week they decided to reward his efforts by giving him the prestigious outstanding achievement award.

Darren also works for Wirral Youth Service, has a part-time job in a nightclub and is studying for his English GCSE.

"Gaining the award was brilliant, it's nice to get some recognition," he said. "I'm only earning a bit more than if I was on the dole, but I'm grateful I have a chance to work.

"Even if I only get through to one person my job is done."

And Darren will be treating his mum Maureen Sharrock to an extra special Mothers' Day this year.

"When I think what I put her through I can't believe she's stuck by me. I'm so thankful to her," he said.

Maureen, of Astley Village, said: "I'm so proud that Darren has got this award. He deserves it so much, he's completely turned his life around."

Darren now lives his life to the full and is planning to travel around Europe this Summer.

"I am one of the lucky ones, there are so many people like me that end up dead by my age.

"I wasted 10 years of my life and I'm determined to stop other people doing the same."