AROUND 120 people walked between two piers to celebrate the success of those recovering from addiction.

The fifth annual Recovery Walk event, which runs from Boscombe to Bournemouth Beach, took place on Saturday as an initiative organised by RISE (Recovery in Social Entertainment).

Following the mass walk, there was live music and a picnic by the bandstand in Bournemouth's lower gardens.

Carrie Parker, a support worker with StreetScene alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre, said: "We had between 100 and 120 people taking part in a multi-agency approach including Addaction, Action on Addiction and the Amy Winehouse Foundation, as well as individuals who are in recovery.

"It also raises awareness of those people who are still struggling with addiction. It was for us to unify together and celebrate recovery."

Zoe Martindale, registered manager for StreetScene, said: "Recovery is about a person being able to manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It is about being honest, caring for others and being abstinent from any mood-altering chemical and instead living a more spiritual way of life."

Helena Boote, 25, who works as a counsellor of the charity, said: "I was at college aged 17 when I went to StreetScene for work experience and after that, I volunteered there.

"I got drawn into working with the charity immediately. It is so rewarding to see the clients graduate and then come back to visit us and let us know how they are getting on."

Ricky Codadeen, who volunteers with the charity, BADSUF, (Bournemouth Alcohol and Drug Service User Forum), was providing leaflets, information and guidance to people looking to find out more the addiction services available.

He said that part of his work is raise awareness of the fact that addiction doesn't just face some of those living on the streets, but also people with families and jobs.

Mark Perry, 44, who is originally from London but now lives in Bournemouth, said: "I called StreetScene after I slipped up while in recovery as the only other option was to go back to London and be homeless.

"I'm now re-training as a English as a Foreign Language Teacher, which I should complete by next May.

"The support I have received from StreetScene has been fantastic. They have residential care, dry houses and then they make sure that you are well-equipped to look after yourself."

Asked what advice he would give to anyone facing addiction, he said: "I would say that they should take all the support they can because it is all there and they will do their best for you.

"It's a big family. The amount of people that must have slipped up and they take you back in and help you through it."