A NEW city centre cafe and bakery will help former drug and alcohol abusers get back into work.

Forks will be run by The Bridge Project, which plans to extend the help it gives to those who have been through treatment, as well as running a successful business and putting profits back into the community.

The £400,000 scheme, which has been partly paid for with £138,000 from Bradford Council's City Centre Growth Zone fund, opens next month and will give 50 people a year work experience and training.

The Bradford charity has bought the building with a mortgage and also put reserve funds into the project.

Its chief executive, Jon Royle, said people who had been treated for substance abuse often struggled to shake-off the stigma.

"We wanted to provide a vehicle and environment where clients can get experience in hospitality and catering. It's difficult for ex drug and alcohol abusers to get experience and jobs," he said.

"When people do recover from a drug problem - and often you're talking about individuals who have a criminal record and many years when they've not been in jobs or education - when they emerge, these people have an awful lot to offer and they've got desires and aspirations.

"They're looking for what we all want, somewhere nice to live and family and friends, they don't want to come off drugs and be on benefits all their life, and this is where they come into problems - often employers don't want to give them an opportunity."

The idea for Forks, which will be a cafe, lounge and bakery with function rooms for hire, has been developed over the last two years and will help those The Bridge Project provides with health care and treatment.

Mr Royle believes Forks and Forks Academy, which offers the placements alongside catering and hospitality training at Forster Community College, will also be a strong addition to the city's offering in North Parade.

The charity will also help its users find permanent work and hopes they will inspire others to complete treatment programmes.

"They're all raring to go. This is the kind of opportunity that people are looking for when they become drug and alcohol free," Mr Royle said, adding that he was "delighted and excited" about the project.

A head chef, manager and other staff will work with the charity's users in the alcohol-free 60-seat venue, which will initially be open during the day, Monday to Saturday, though there are plans for comedy nights in the future.

"It's going to be a great place, with great service and food a really nice venue and atmosphere," Mr Royle said.