Anti-drugs scheme targets pupils

Leeds pupils will take part in a drugs education scheme

Students at secondary schools in Leeds are being asked to be part of a drugs education project.

The teenagers will form part of a nation-wide scheme to test new ways of learning about the dangers of drug use.

The Blueprint Research Programme, run jointly by the Home Office and the Departments of Education and Health, will target youngsters in the 11-13-year-old age group.

The pilot scheme has been designed to work out which approach will most effectively convey the right information about drugs, and therefore reduce the numbers using illegal substances.

Research has shown almost 50 per cent of 16-24-year-olds have taken drugs in their lifetime - up to one fifth of these within the last month.

Parents and Leeds-based health experts will be asked for their input during the research.