HUNDREDS of drugs addicts are expected to take advantage of fast-track treatment centres being launched on Teesside next month.

It has emerged that the service - the first of its kind in the UK - will provide a service for about 500 patients with drug problems.

A team composed of a GP, a nurse practitioner and support staff will operate from two bases in Middlesbrough and the South Bank area.

Colin McLeod, chief executive of the Middlesbrough and Eston Primary Group, which is behind the scheme, said: "We know from our discussions with local people that one of their main concerns is the problem of drug misuse and its impact on the community.

"We believe the scheme will help to address the drugs problem locally by getting more people into the system and treated more quickly, so they can make a quicker return to normal life; so reducing the level of crime. This is good news for Middlesbrough."

Dr Ian Guy, a board member of the care group, will be the doctor dealing exclusively with drug addicts. He said he was looking forward to developing what would be an exciting new challenge.

Mike Farrer, chief executive of the Tees Health Authority, said Teesside was leading the way with the scheme.