A PRISON has launched a new initiative in the fight against drug misuse among inmates.

The campaign was launched at Kirklevington Prison, near Yarm, by Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, yesterday, in a bid to promote a drug-free lifestyle amongst prisoners. It is jointly sponsored by the prison and Euromed.

The scheme is part of the Government's ten-year drug strategy led by anti-drugs coordinator Keith Hellawell.

Two key objectives of the scheme are to reduce the level of re-offending among drug misusing offenders and to increase the participation of problem drug misusers, such as prisoners in drug treatment programmes.

Kirklevington became a voluntary drug-testing prison in August last year. In addition to random mandatory drug testing that happens in every prison, Kirklevington has a comprehensive voluntary scheme.

Every prospective inmate has to sign a substance misuse contract before transferring to the prison.

They are then tested for seven drugs including cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines. Since the introduction of the voluntary drug-testing programme the number of positive results has increased slightly.

Ms Taylor said: "It is good to know that a local prison has such a success story to tell.

"There is a clear link between drug taking and crime, especially re-offending. If that link can be broken it has the potential to significantly reduce crime in our community.

"The drug strategy at Kirklevington is one of enforcement and policing through mandatory tests and also one of prevention, support and treatment through the voluntary programme. Together, these two strategies are making a real difference.