A MARLOW family have had their lives changed for the better thanks to Channel Four's television programme Brat Camp.

James Fonfe, now 17, appeared on the series Brat Camp after his family despaired of his drug taking and volatile temper.

Mum Christina said: "My daughter saw one of the TV companies advertise for out-of-control teenagers and she announced 'We need to apply he's out of control', which he was.

"We were so desperate. We tried everything and nobody out there could give us any advice. James' particular problem was that he was on a downward spiral and taking marijuana on a regular basis. It was because we loved him that we were so desperate."

They filled in an application form and the television company contacted them. James was shortlisted as being suitable The former Sir William Borlase's Grammar School pupil went on a Wilderness Therapy course in Utah from last November to January this year. Staff at youth help organisation Redcliff Ascent helped James along with other teenagers. His family believed he was being sent for only five weeks and would be back by Christmas. But the experience which lasted nearly three months was no holiday for James who had to hike for long periods each day and had to learn responsibility.

Mrs Fonfe has no regrets. She said: "I'm very aware you can't wave this magic wand and everything will be hunky dory. He has learnt a tremendous number of skills and has had to take responsibility for himself. He's a pleasure to have around and he's not used anything since he's come back."

James, who gained a GCSE in German at the age of ten, is going to attend Gordonstoun later this month.