Sutton’s drug treatment service is the second most effective in the UK.

The Sutton Integrated Drug and Alcohol Partnership (SIDAP) has been running just over a year, and has helped over 500 patients with drug problems.

Clinicians have seen almost 1,000 patients, mostly aged between 29 and 40.

Figures from monitoring body the National Treatment Agency show Sutton to have the second best service nationwide.

SIDAP is a partnership between South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust (SWLSTG), and the Community Drug Service for South London (CDSSL).

Mark Clenaghan, SWLSTG service director, said: "The partnership is operating even more successfully than we could have hoped, the patient experience is excellent and we are getting national recognition for the work."

The treatment is seen to be successful if the patient has been off drugs or alcohol for at least three months.

The service celebrated it's first birthday on Friday, June 6.

SIDAP is based in Manor Road, Wallington.