A WOMAN who has battled heroin addiction has been given a Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers Award.

City College Plymouth employee Cheryl Powell was given the award for 'outstanding achievement' in delivering City and Guilds Level 1 in personal development and 'contributing to the community'.

Ms Powell, who is a training manager for the Prince's Trust programme at the college's work-based learning department, has overcome anorexia, self-harm and heroin addiction in the past.

By enrolling on a college course, funded by the Prince's Trust, she was able to get her life back on track, said college bosses. A judge for Chandlers Award said: "Incredible! It must be such a joy and inspiration to have a colleague like Cheryl to work alongside.

"To see the dedication and commitment she has and does show is wonderful – and it is clear that she acts as a supportive, inspirational and motivating force to all those who meet her."

Ms Powell, 37, was also the overall winner for the Chandlers Award. She said: "It's a great honour to be recognised."