STREET theatre, live gigs and virtual reality babies will be some of the attractions at an event aimed at turning young people away from drugs.

There will also be steel bands, interactive stalls and stands with competitions and free items on offer at the Drugs Awareness Day (Dad) on Saturday in Redcar.

Stella Pate, from the Advice Resource and Counselling Service in Skelton, will be demonstrating her virtual reality babies, which have the appearance and actions associated with babies born to mothers suffering a drug or alcohol problem.

She said: "Young people are affected by the appearance and violent reaction of these babies.

"It gets the message across far better than lecturing or distributing literature.

"Holding the baby for just five minutes is usually an effective deterrent to ensure they steer clear of drugs."

It will be the eighth Drugs Awareness Day organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, in partnership with Cleveland Police and youth and health agencies.

Co-ordinator Margaret Moore, from the council, said: "Dad is a unique event, and whilst the focus is on young people, the issues we address cut across all sections of the community."

Jane Cuthbert, co-ordinator of the dance, rap and singing performance, said: "This day is for young people to demonstrate their talents and their awareness of drugs.

"Their involvement and hard work will enhance the day and help make it our best yet."

Dad will be held from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, in Redcar town centre, near the clock, with a number of activities and more than 20 organisations taking part.