A COMMUNITY policeman has enlisted the services of sea cadets to combat drug misuse.

PC Craig Johnson, designated beat officer for Bournmoor, Woodstone and the County Durham side of Fencehouses, has asked the Chester-le-Street Sea Cadets to distribute 1,500 information packs to local people.

As well as giving advice on drug issues, the packs, devised by the primary care trusts of Durham, Chester-le-Street and Easington, contain practical information on alcohol and solvent abuse and sexual issues.

They also include invitations to a community Feel Good event, being held at Woodlea Primary School, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, June 29.

The folders will be hand-delivered to homes today.

PC Johnson said: "Although this is one of the safest areas in County Durham, local people do have real concerns about drugs, especially heroin and drug-related crime.

"We believe the majority of our high-volume crimes, such as shed burglaries or thefts from cars, are being carried out partly to fund drug abuse.

"I hope the information packs and the event at the school will give people an insight into how the various agencies are dealing with drug-related issues.

"The project is also about offering drug-users who are trying to kick the habit practical support and advice," said PC Johnson.

Durham County Council, Durham Agency Against Crime and Little Lumley and Bournmoor parish councils have all been involved in the scheme.