Former drug and alcohol users who have retrained as addiction workers were presented with their qualifications this week.

This year, 21 graduates from the scheme included trainees from the east of Scotland for the first time, thanks to Lottery funding.

Scottish Drugs Forum's Addiction Worker Training Project, a former Herald Society Award winner now in its ninth year, supports, trains, and prepares individuals with a history of problem drug or alcohol use to work in social care.

Applicants, who must be at least two years drug and alcohol free, gain a qualification and work experience.

More than 90% of those taking part complete the course and 86% move into further employment.

Graduates, including May Riddell, of Glasgow (pictured above) were awarded their certificates by Jackie Killeen of the Big Lottery Fund.