A DRUGS education project aimed at primary school pupils has proved such a success that it is now entering its third year.

The Outthere Peer Education Project this year has involved volunteers from Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College working in the town's primary schools.

The aim is to give year six pupils basic drugs education in line with Key Stage Two Health Awareness, which is part of the National Curriculum.

In addition, the sessions also offer a buddying system, so the youngsters will have a friendly face to turn to if they have any concerns or anxieties when they make the step up to secondary school.

Volunteer Leanne Clarke, 14, said: "Since starting with the Outthere I have gained more confidence and done things I never thought I was capable of.

"Going into the primary schools was a bit scary, especially since some of my old teachers were watching.

"But once we started the session our confidence increased and the teachers thought our attitudes were mature and responsible.

"It felt great to be passing on knowledge that we gained on to the year six children. I would recommend the project to any young person."

Fifteen-year-old Scott Hunter said he had loved every part of the project.

He said: "We gained team building skills, and have done a presentation for the Key Fund for a residential course.

"The residential was wicked, although that is not why I wanted to go on the project.

"I wanted to gain drugs education and a certificate for voluntary work, so that I could put it in my CV for when I go to college.

"But I must say I gained more than that, new friends, going to different places on days out, and loads more confidence. I am currently doing a drugs qualification, as I would like to work with young people like myself when I leave school."

Project leaders will be recruiting again in January 2004, and the peer educators will be giving a presentation to the chosen school in an effort to persuade other pupils to become peer educators.