A REHAB expert who worked at Greenock's Jericho House has won a prestigious national honour.

Mark Williamson, who set up a lifesaving theatre group for people battling addiction, has received the 2021 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.

The accolade was presented in an online ceremony as part of the Burns an' a' that! Festival.

After leaving the team at Jericho, Mark went on to set up the non-profit recovery-based theatre group, Sweet for Addicts.

Over the last 15 years, he has worked with hundreds of people on their journey out of addiction and has put on more than 20 plays all over Scotland.

Mark said: "To win this is a real honour.

"I was stunned to find myself a finalist.

"I accept this award and dedicate it to all who have worked with Sweet for Addicts and to those we have lost along the way."

Chair of the RBHA judging panel, Councillor Peter Henderson, said: "Without Mark's intervention there would be many more people battling addiction across Scotland.

"Mark goes out of his way to give everyone a chance no matter their circumstances.

"He is an inspiration to us all."

As well as the RBHA 2021 title, Mark received the equivalent of 1759 guineas (approximately £1,800) – a sum which pays tribute to the year of the Bard's birth and the coinage in circulation at the time.