DRUG addicts, prostitutes, and armed robbers proved the most inspirational of all for the Scottish businessmen on the pilot programme to help develop their strategies to meet future challenges.

A visit to Delancy Street Foundation in San Franscico underlined that ''nothing is impossible''.

Delancy Street is a unique rehabilitation centre for criminals, funded and run exclusively by ex-cons whose strict regime on the road to recovery extends way beyond the description ''boot camp''.

Any digressions lead to instant dismissal, usually meaning a return to prison and any hope of a normal life forever gone.

One resident, Frank, a vicious robber, managed to obtain a placement at the centre instead of going to prison for 15 years.

After two years, he could up and leave - a free man. However, he has stayed on, describing his spell in the centre as ''fun'' and thriving on the vocational training on offer.

One wonders if ''tough on crime'' Britain would accept such a comment, let alone facility, especially should victims demand their pound of flesh. However, the centre has an extraordinary 80% success rate, despite dealing with adults who, from as young as seven, have known nothing but the most broken of lives, illiteracy, drugs, violence, and prison.

It also makes an astonishing #1.9m a year, with the self-financing 500 residents involved in numerous business ventures - including, of all things, running the largest removal company in north California.

There are three similar centres elsewhere in the US and interest is being expressed in numerous other countries seeking solutions to ''hopeless'' criminal cases.

Mr Andrew Woods, of GR Advanced Metals, said: ''I am now convinced, given the commitment and resolve of people, anything is possible.''