A STROUD man has spoken about how he managed to turn his life around with the help of the Prince's Trust at the start of the charity's first national Youth Week.

The campaign this week aims to promote the positive contributions young people make to society Paul Bradley, 28, had a difficult childhood and spent many years in foster homes, as did his brother.

He got into trouble and began taking drugs.

At 19 he joined the army and was stationed in Macedonia, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, his brother become a heroin addict. He eventually died from a blood clot.

Paul was miserable in the Army - he was bullied and tried to commit suicide.

He left and began to re-evaluate his life.

Paul applied for a development loan from the Prince's Trust to develop his skills in the performing arts and managed set up on his own business as a clown and children’s entertainer.

“I wanted to tell my story so that young people know there are ways out of these situations, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

For more information about the Prince's Trust call 01179 292 300.