THE “angels of Bournemouth” have been honoured for their work – and winner Darren Bradley used to be anything but an angel.

The 43-year-old was a drug addict and dealer who ran crack houses in London until he turned his life around.

However this week he was named Bournemouth’s Volunteer of the Year for his work with vulnerable people, giving advice and help on benefits, addiction and more.

“I just love the work,” he told the Daily Echo at the Town Hall. “I just love the fact I am helping people.

“This award means so much – I was nervous and shaking when it was announced.”

He is chairman of the Service Users and Resi-dents’ Forum (SURF) for Bournemouth Churches Hous-ing Association.

Darren is mainly based at Bos-combe bus station, but also set up four more centres, including in Winton and Christchurch, and he also does work in mediation and befriending.

Darren added: “I never thought I would be doing something like this. But my journey isn’t over.”

He was one of a host of people honoured by mayor Cllr Chris Rochester.

Councillor Rochester said: “As mayor, you really come to appreciate the volunteers – they are the angels that keep this town running.”

Diana Brocklehurst, from Holden-hurst Village, a volunteer social car driver and talking newspaper worker, was highly commended for her work.

Adam Tuffrey, 17, from Muscliff, who survived meningitis, has raised more than £20,000 through Music 4 Meningitis with concerts at the BIC and Pavilion, and won a special commendation.

The Volunteer Group of the year went to the Bournemouth Food Bank.

Manager Debbie Bramley said: “This year been such a hard slog, with so many heart wrenching moments, that’s it’s lovely to get some good news.”

Runner up was Caring Canines. They take dogs into schools, hospitals and day centres, and run courses to train them how to behave around children.

The awards were set up in 1989 by then-mayor Jacky Harris.