NORTH-EAST pupils are being invited to go on stage and show off as a way of steering them away from drugs.

The music initiative, which has been touring schools in the region, was yesterday at Eastbourne Comprehensive, in Darlington, and Shotton Hall School, in Peterlee, County Durham. The aim is to give children a "natural high" and show them they do not need to take drugs to enjoy themselves.

Pop singer David Graham has been enlisted to run the show. He encourages children to get on stage and take part in competitions. The initiative is run by the Crimestoppers Trust, which has toured schools since 1995.

Eastbourne headteacher Karen Pemberton said: "It was very noisy and the students were certainly high by the end.

"They were having a good time."

Mr Graham said: "I try to get the kids to focus on the positive. It is not cool to take drugs, but we cannot ignore that they are out there and it is important for young people to be aware of the dangers as well as what help is available."

About 200 11, 12 and 13-year-olds from Eastbourne school took part. Robert Caldwell, the head of year seven at the school, said: "It was brilliant and very entertaining. The kids got involved right from the start. I would recommend this to any school."

The tour is at Framwellgate Comprehensive, Framwellgate Moor, and Blackfyne Comprehensive, Consett, County Durham, today; Easington School, Easington, and Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, tomorrow; Durham Johnson Comprehensive, Dur-ham, and Moorside Community School, Consett, on Thursday, and at Ferryhill Comp- rehensive School, County Du-ham, on Friday.