RANDOM drugs tests could be introduced in schools in a crackdown on abuse.

Eighteen schools in the North-East have expressed an interest in saliva tests that check for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, tranquilizers and barbituates.

The tests, marketed by Preventx, are designed to be used as a deterrent and would see 25 youngsters chosen at random each month.

The company has not revealed which schools have inquired about the checks.

Police have been trying to tackle the drugs problem by working with schools and organisations dealing with vulnerable young people.

A survey carried out in Newcastle last year revealed 34 under 13s had used heroin, while 202 pre-teens had used other drugs.

School governor of Newcastle's West Jesmond Primary School Pat Hughes, who has a 15-year-old daughter, said: "As a mother, I would want to know now if my daughter was tempted by drugs, but I would like to be there when these tests were done."

Elaine Kay, of the NUT, said: "Most teachers do not want to get involved in testing pupils for drugs. They do not see it as part of their role, and feel it could be potentially damaging to their relationships with pupils and parents."