RECOVERING drug addicts and those affected by substance misuse will take centre stage in a quirky production this autumn.

Drac and the Rat is being staged by North-East director Peter Lathan with volunteers from NECA, a charity working to reduce harm resulting from alcohol, drug abuse and gambling.

Put on in a bid to raise money for a Darlington soup kitchen, the tongue-in-cheek play sees Dracula experience the British justice system, being ‘tagged’ after getting caught robbing a blood bank.

It will be performed at a November event organised to celebrate recovery and the achievements of those working with NECA in Darlington.

Becoming involved with the play has had a positive impact on 27-year-old Ben McGill, who credits the organisation with helping him turn his life around.

Mr McGill said: “I’ll be playing Drac, which I can relate to as I’ve been tagged myself – I started using heroin at an early age and committed a lot of crime, like shoplifting, to fund my habit.

“I wanted a new way of life and to sort myself out - I’d tried before but it was never the right time.

"Now I’ve got all the support I need, they’ve really helped me get onto my feet.

“It’s good to have something where people in recovery can share their experiences.”

He added: “Doing the play has been good for my confidence, it’s grown every day and there are not many people I can call friends but here, I’ve met some I can.”

Volunteer Clare credits NECA with helping her cope after discovering her husband was a drug addict.

She said: "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them and the play has been something positive that's given me something to look forward to."

The play has helped volunteers improve their confidence and develop skills, according to Tony Beck, recovery lead at NECA.

He said: "We don't just help those who've misused substances, we help everyone affected, like families and friends.

"November's event will showcase and celebrate what's been achieved in recovery.

"It will spread a message about the positive impact of recovery while raising money for a good cause chosen by our clients."

The team would welcome donations of material and costumes and have appealed for sponsors in a bid to raise more funds for The Soup Kitchen.

Anyone who could help can email darlington@neca.co.uk.