A HARD-hitting drama about the tragedy of drug-driving hammered home a life-saving road safety message to hundreds of students.

The harrowing play Pills, Thrills and Automobiles was followed up at Darlington College by a rescue demonstration by the town's firefighters.

Both events were part of a day designed to raise awareness about road safety in relation to drug taking, as teenage students start to learn to drive.

The Ape Theatre Company performed an emotion-filled drama based on a true story of four friends who visit a music festival where they take drugs.

On the way home, the young girl driver loses control of the car killing herself and a friend and crippling another.

In the afternoon, Blue Watch from Darlington Fire and Rescue Service staged a mock rescue, cutting free college public services tutor Helen Cook and assistant road safety officer Denise Caley from the wreckage of a car.

The safety day was a joint venture involving Darlington College, Darlington Borough Council and the fire brigade.

The council's road safety officer, Norma Sheppard, said: "This is designed to bring home the reality of drugs - that the party always ends."

Student activities manager, Diane Evans, added: "The students are just at the age where many of them are learning to drive, so it is important to highlight the possible impact of being behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs."

The council's cabinet member for highways and transport, Nick Wallis, said: "Learning to drive is a fantastic experience giving young people a feeling of independence.

"We are not out to spoil the fun, but neither do we want to see the party end in tragedy, so it is essential we try to get this anti-drug driving message across."