A rhythm and blues guitarist today spoke of his joy at finally kicking the 40-year drug addiction that nearly cost him his life.

Keith Roberts, who has played for various bands and has just formed a new group, started taking drugs at the age of just 14.

But today he insisted he was never going back after being clean for a year, thanks to a dedicated surgery run by Southend Primary Care Trust.

Keith, 54, from Southend, remembered his first drug-taking experience like it was yesterday.

He said: "A boy who had left my school came back and gave me drugs which I injected in the milk room.

"I thought I was Father Christmas. I think I played football that afternoon and scored about eight goals."

But three years ago Keith was diagnosed with emphacema. His addiction had left one of his lungs filled with poison which if not operated on would have killed him.

Although he had tried and failed many times to stop his addiction, this was a turning point and made him more determined.

He was put in touch with the team at Southend Primary Care Trust's Victoria Surgery in Southchurch Road, where he met Dr John McMurray.

Keith, who is preparing to launch his new band called Outlaw Charlie's Blues Rocket, has urged other drug addicts to go to the surgery for help.

He said: "I found it so hard at first and would go 12 days and then bugger up but I've done it and I am never going back. I feel the best I have in my life."