IT is impossible to remove the peril of drug-taking from teenagers in our society.

Whether because of peer pressure or curiosity, the temptation is often too great to resist.

The best we can do, through education, is to make young people fully aware of the risks.

The death of 15-year-old Lisa Teasdale has graphically illustrated the dangers. A young life has been lost, most likely because of a single Ecstasy tablet.

The only possible comfort for her family and friends may be that Lisa's death will serve as a warning to other young people, and perhaps prevent further tragedies.

As a society, we must spare no effort in putting across the message to children that drugs can destroy lives. The message that drugs are not glamorous, but bring death and destruction, can not be overstated.

Also, we must spare no effort in catching, convicting and jailing those people who profit from the misery that drugs create - the dealers and the pushers who seek to make money by preying on the vulnerability and innocence of young people.

That is why The Northern Echo has put its full support behind the Rat On A Rat campaign, which encourages people to join the fight against drugs by helping police put these evil people behind bars.

We hope the death of Lisa will stir people into action, and perhaps make them overcome their natural reluctance and reticence in going to the police with information that will bring these criminals to justice.

THE furore in some quarters against Europe Minister Peter Hain's comments about the single currency is unwarranted.

Far from trying to "bamboozle" the British public, as some allege, Mr Hain does little more than state the blindingly obvious.

The euro is here, and here to stay. All that remains for Britain to decide is whether we want to be a part of it or not.

It will be up to the British people to decide whether joining the euro or keeping the pound is in our best national interest.

Mr Hain is quite right to indicate that our decision can not be put off for ever.

The continued uncertainty can only be detrimental to our economic prospects. The referendum should be called at the earliest opportunity.