TODAY, the Evening News is publishing a mother's harrowing cry for help for her drug-using son.

We're sure readers will be moved by the story, on Page 4, of how she and her family have tried to help her "shy, polite, working, boy, aged 23", who has become hooked on heroin.

And we're equally certain the public will be concerned about the shortage of help for addicts - and their families - in our community.

Sympathetic family doctors who, we all know, are under immense pressure, can hardly be expected to cope with the complex problems posed by a drug addiction case.

The voluntary sector, too, does what it can to offer support but, as this case shows, there are those who fall through the net.

That's why MP Mike Foster's call for a dedicated GP service to be provided for drug addicts in Worcester is so important.

He believes "current advice and care from GPs is inconsistent and secondary care is too late to meet the immediate needs of the addict".

After consulting with local GPs, he says that a specially-trained doctor, paid for by the NHS, is what's needed.

We agree. There's no doubt that a civilised society has a duty to make sure services are in place to help those who want to kick the habit.

Together with an intensive campaign of education, which will help alert young people - and their families - to the danger on their doorsteps, it is a one way ahead.

So, come on, Mr Foster, make it happen.