THE boss of the National Health Service has praised an innovative drug abuse treatment centre on a visit to the region.

Sir Nigel Crisp, NHS chief executive, toured the Castlebridge Centre, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and met staff and clients.

Since it opened last year, the discreet converted office building, in the centre of the town, has set its sights on helping more than 300 problem drug and alcohol users every year.

The centre, which is funded by the NHS, local authorities, Lottery funds and neighbourhood renewal monies, was impressive, said Sir Nigel. "The Department of Health knows all about the Castlebridge Centre and it is well pleased."

In a recent national report, the project was one of only two drug centres singled out for praise.

He said it was part of a nationwide response to drugs.

"We know that there is link between street crime, antisocial behaviour, substance abuse and people's general health," he said.

Paul Walsh, the centre's clinical co-ordinator, said he was pleased that the waiting time for treatment had dropped to zero from more than two months in September last year. He said the next step was to set up satellite clinics in Teesdale and Weardale.

Dr Stewart Findlay, a Bishop Auckland GP, said: "It has been an excellent service, taking some of the pressure off family doctors."

Sir Nigel also visited Darlington, where he called at the privately-funded Clifton Court Surgery, the SureStart centre, in McNay Street, and the Primary Care Trust headquarters being built in King Street.