SHE was one of the biggest challenges faced by Boscombe police.

Prostitution, drug addiction, theft and intimidation were just a few of the habits, which ensured Kirsten Raven was constantly on the wrong side of the law.

The 34-year-old was banned from large areas of Bournemouth and four months ago left the town for intensive rehab in Luton.

And the pictures printed on this page show what a remarkable difference the treatment has made.

The pale, thin and unkempt look has made way for a healthy, confident woman who hopes her experiences will encourage others to take the plunge and tackle their addicton.

During a supervised visit to Boscombe she called in to the police station to visit PC Vicky Taylor and Sergeant Derek Bishop, the officers responsible for securing the Public Nuisance Injunction which saw her booted out of the area.

"I am ashamed of what I used to do and feel a lot of embarrassment about what I used to be like in the past" she said.

"I feel I have let people down because I was not in control of my behaviour or my actions."

Kirsten, whose family live in the Bournemouth area, said she knows many people who are suffering from "the disease of addiction" and hopes her story will help them to fight it.

"If one person sees these pictures and is inspired to change their lifestyle it will be great. This has been the best thing for me and I needed it," she told the Daily Echo.

"I think many people will realise that if I can do it, anyone can."

PC Taylor added: "We are so pleased that the injunction has done wonders - it shows that there is a way out of this."

And Sgt Bishop said: "It is absolutely fantastic to see that Kirsten has made the progress she has made."

Kirsten is currently doing voluntary work in a British Heart Foundation charity shop and is also undertaking a computer course in a bid to secure a job.

She hopes she may be strong enough to return to Bournemouth in the future and said the tough treatment she received from the police was worth it in the end.

She was given a two-year injunction in March this year, along with her then boyfriend Domonique Mendez. He too is in rehab.

"We believe that Domonique is doing as well as Kirsten" added PC Taylor. "He is in a different area and although they are not together any more, both are doing well."