A DEDICATED woman who helps people battling drug addictions has won a top award.

Jillian Hunt won Public Worker Hero for her work in helping others after her son Nathan Brooks began a downward spiral on drugs at the age of 15. Mrs Hunt,50, manager of Bracknell Forest Council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: "I was really embarrassed to win the award but if someone had said to me the award was for New Hope I would have been over the moon." The service operates its New Hope centre in the town centre and provides counselling and support groups to addicts and their families. She added: "My son is incredibly proud of me and what I have achieved." Mrs Hunt, who lives in Priestwood, was nominated by her colleague Mira Haynes who said: "She has supported the most needy to help turn their lives around."