DARREN Day attended the premiere of nine films created by recovering drugs addicts at the Pyramid Centre on Wednesday night.

The actor and singer featured in one of the films created in workshops held at the CRI Pathways to Recovery Centre in Bold Street.

Service users for Warrington, Halton and Knowsley worked together on the project, producing eight short films and contributing to a longer film featuring Darren.

The short films were all conceived, written and produced by the service users led by their own experiences and assisted in camera, production and editing for the longer film.

One service user involved in the programme said that having a creative outlet has improved his self esteem.

Chris Cardiss has been clean from cocaine for 18 months and clean from cannabis for six months.

The 34-year-old said: “I got asked if I wanted to go and do some creative writing.

“I went in and we must’ve started talking and stories started coming out of our conversations and that’s how it started really.

“I’ve done my own idea – it’s about a guy who comes out of prison and he’s got some choices to make and whether he wants the right one or he goes and makes the wrong one.

“It helps your self esteem – my self esteem was pretty low, I couldn’t do anything really.

“I couldn’t really speak so to do something like this – I would never have done that even six months ago.

“I’ve loved every bit of it to be honest.

“I’m a bit nervous about getting everyone’s views and seeing my face on such a big screen.

“It’s a bit crazy but at the same time I’m looking forward to it as well.”

The films were aired in a premiere at the Pyramid Centre on Wednesday September 2, with West End star Day the biggest name on the red carpet.

Peter Furlong, North West development manager at the recovery centre, said: “A creative outlet assists in so many ways really, it helps people apply diversionary thinking to what for years has been focused around addiction and the lifestyle and demands that brings.

“But moreover it creates a level of confidence, focus and in many terms recognition that they still have internal potential to do positive things, as often people have lost all hope.

“It was amazing to have Darren Day involved.

“Darren is in recovery himself and he offered all his time free of charge.

“He is such a lovely and kind man who really understands what we do at CRI and has pledged his support ongoing support and has offered further backing if needed.”