WE WOULD like to congratulate Craig Hyde Dryden for his achievement in receiving a Prince’s Trust award.

The 22-year-old was awarded a Young Ambassador of theYear award by the Trust for the work he does with them.

But it is Mr Dryden’s back story which makes this award more special.

For he is proof that those with a troubled start can, with support, turn their lives around

He had a difficult start in life both at home and school which led to him drinking and taking drugs. It is fair to say that there are probably quite a few people who knew him at that time who remember him for all the wrong reasons.

At just 16, he received a six-year-custodial sentence for robbery and began suffering acute anxiety and depression. But help did come his way, with support from the Prince’s Trust, and he was invited to take part in a community project.

He has not looked back. What he gained from the Trust was self-esteem and equally importantly, confidence in his own ability.

He has represented the Prince’s Trust at many events, raising awareness of its work and is now managing director of a voluntary group promoting healthy eating and leading youth schemes. He is also setting up his own business.

His future is looking bright and we commend him for succeeding in creating a new life for himself.