A Keighley charity that helps people kick drug and alcohol problems has seen its workload rocket by 75 per cent.

Poverty has been cited as a major factor behind the upsurge.

Increasing numbers of those seeking assistance are users of more than one substance, the charity says.

Mike Cadger, chief executive of Project 6, said there was a distinct correlation between drug and booze problems and poverty.

Last month it was reported the town had been ranked among the most deprived areas of the county, with many people struggling to survive on just a few pounds a week.

“You are proportionately more likely to see use of illicit substances and heavy drinking in areas of greater deprivation,” said Mr Cadger.

About five years ago the award-winning charity, based in Temple Street, was dealing with 2,000 people annually.

In the last year that figure soared to about 3,500.