ACTRESS Caroline Quentin is joining in anniversary celebrations for a local charity providing vital support to people in the west of Dorset.

The star of Men Behaving Badly, Jonathan Creek, Blue Murder and TV documentaries is to be the patron of EDP Drug and Alcohol Services in its 30th year.

Formerly the Exeter Drugs Project, it celebrates 30 years of supporting people and their families, local to Devon and Dorset, who have problems associated with drug and alcohol use. It has a Bridport-based service.

Working in prisons and the community, EDP has helped many thousands of people since it was formed in 1984 by a group of drug users and their families in Exeter.

Its mission is: “To open doors for people affected by substance misuse so they can improve their lives and those of their families and communities.”

To celebrate its birthday the charity is planning numerous activities to raise awareness of issues, appeal for support and celebrate its achievements over the years.

Caroline Quentin said: “EDP is a Devon and Dorset based charity and that’s why it’s important to me, and it helps local people find help with their drug and alcohol problems.

“I like the fact that for people living in this area, in Devon where I live, they know that they can go somewhere to get help specifically for them where they live.

“The sort of help they get varies enormously but the great thing is that they are there to support them whatever problems they are having.

“Of course support isn’t just important for those who have issues with their drug and alcohol. It’s also really important to support their families too.”

As part of the celebrations there will be a birthday dinner and auction which will take place on Saturday June 14 and EDP has also launched a ‘Raise £30 for our 30th’ campaign, asking people to raise money for the charity by taking part in sponsorship challenges or by holding fundraising events.

The charity is also setting up a Friends of EDP group to help in raising awareness about the fundraising work so that it can offer more to those that it works with. More details are available on edp.org.uk To contact the Bridport service call 01308 427195.