A GROUP of drug users have been working to dispel the myth that all addicts are inconsiderate.

Service Users Group Hambleton and Richmondshire (SUGHAR) developed out of the Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Addiction Service.

In December, the new group arranged a clean up in public areas of Northallerton used by drug abusers.

Operation Pinpoint collected used syringes and other drug litter.

A spokesperson for SUGHAR said: "We are aware that drug litter in and around Northallerton - syringes, needles and the like - is a problem from time to time, but we are not all inconsiderate.

"We hope that by cleaning up after others, people will realise we do care, we try to be responsible and that not all drug users are the same."

The Mayor of Northallerton, Councillor Tony Hall, who joined the operation, said: "I was taken to places that I had never seen before even though I represent the town. I also saw things that I had not realised were drug paraphernalia.

"Congratulations have to go to SUGHAR for arranging the initiative and for wanting to be responsible members of our society."