DRUGS campaigner Farassat Malik has never forgotten the day a Manchester teenager died after taking heroin.

Moved by the tragic story he was determined to do everything he could to prevent a similar tragedy.

Mr Malik, who works at a kebab shop close to Manchester University, spends his spare time campaigning to raise awareness about the consequences of drug addiction.

A student of the Government College in his native Pakistan, and former captain of the country's international hockey team, Mr Malik of Reynell Road, Longsight, Manchester, said: ''An eighteen year old man died in horrible circumstances in Manchester and I later found out that he used to sell heroin. It was then that I decided that something had to be done to create awareness about the danger.''

Mr Malik, 50, launched his one-man campaign despite being forced to leave Pakistan in 1992 after his anti-drugs stand there resulted in threats to his family.

Muhammad Shah, of Cowsby Street, Moss Side, who has known him for several years, said: ''Mr Malik has never relented in his campaign despite the dangers to himself.

''He is well aware of the fact that by doing what he does he is putting himself and his family at risk. But he has made his mind up to save the community he lives in from the harm of drug abuse.''

Mr Malik, whose ambition is to set up helplines for foreign students and those from ethnic minorities, is the latest nominee for a Manchester Evening News Community Award.

The M.E.N., in association with car giant Mercedes-Benz, is looking for other worthy contenders for awards in five categories - the workplace, the local community, local sport, education, and the health service.

• The nomination deadline is September 1. Organisers stress that they want to honour unsung heroes who work hard for others without expecting any rewards. Send your nomination stating which category to Carl Palmer, Newsroom, 164 Deansgate, Manchester M60 2RD. Please include a contact number for yourself and the person nominated.

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