AN anti-drugs partnership is celebrating a major cash boost that will fund a dedicated Drugs Squad.

Crime reduction officers in East Cleveland have joined forces with Langbaurgh Drugs Action Team, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Communities Against Drugs to win a share of Government money.

The first instalment of £30,000 will pay for equipment such as computers, vehicles and courses for team members.

The partnership aims to raise drugs awareness, prevent youngsters becoming involved in drugs and help users kick the habit. It has also pledged to target the area's main drugs offenders.

Detective Superintendent Ian Garrett, crime manager for Langbaurgh, said: "We will use this money to get to the root of the problem by targeting people at risk of getting into drugs as well as those who are already using them.

"The new Drugs Squad will make a concerted and co-ordinated effort to make a real difference to communities affected by drugs."

Jim Wilson, Head of Substance Misuse Planning at Tees Health, added: "The partnership between the police and the health authority means we can help balance the need to stifle the availability of drugs and meet the demand for treatment of drugs misuse. "