A TEAM of experts gave east Durham parents an insight into the spiralling problem of drug abuse.

The awareness day, staged at Peterlee's Shotton Hall, was the biggest of its kind held in the region.

Police, health promotion representatives, and workers experienced in the field of substance abuse passed on their expertise to parents.

The audience was shown dummy samples of the most popular drugs, and given advice on spotting signs of substance abuse, and where to seek the best help.

The day, organised by Durham Agency Against Crime (Dac) and Easington District Council, attracted more than 70 mothers and fathers, grandparents and interested groups.

Community development project worker at Easington council, Melanie Lowes, said: "We felt it was important for parents to be aware of the potential dangers and prevalence of drugs and substance abuse.''

She said the event was a direct response to locally-held council forums, where teenage drug-taking was among the most frequently voiced concerns.

Chief Inspector Laz Szomoru, executive manager of Dac, who helped run the project, said it was clear that many parents were unable to talk to their children about drugs because of their own ignorance.

"We want parents to have the knowledge to enable them to talk to their sons and daughters," he said.