NEWS that a date rape drug is to be made illegal by next summer has been welcomed by one of the region's MPs.

Vera Baird, QC, is the MP for Redcar, in east Cleveland, and is also patron of the Drug Rape Trust, which exists to raise awareness of the danger of drug rape and to provide help, advice and support for victims.

A new report suggests that gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) is to be made a class C drug. People caught in possession of the drug will be liable to two years in prison and dealers could be sentenced for up to five years.

Ms Baird said: "This chemical is an evil drug that has brought great misery to many people. Men, as well as women, have found themselves abused and unable to put up a struggle because of the effects of GHB.

"The drug has been available for some time and it has been used by some particularly evil men, who have been able to avoid being brought to justice because it has been difficult to prove that the victim did not consent.

"Rape drugs can render a person mentally incapacitated and physically helpless, so he or she may be aware of what is happening but powerless to stop it.

"I think that, as the festive season approaches, people should take sensible precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

"Do not accept drinks from strangers, do not leave your drink unattended, if your drink tastes different - just leave it.

"And remember drugs can be put into soft drinks, tea and coffee etc as well."