A CAMPAIGN to educate schoolchildren about the perils of drugs has been launched.

Billingham has been chosen to pilot the scheme which, if successful, will hopefully be rolled out to the rest of Stockton borough.

Every school has signed up to take part in the campaign, which comes on the eve of National Tackling Drugs Day, on Tuesday.

Posters have gone up in classrooms and assemblies are being held to make students aware of the dangers of taking drugs, as well as offering confidential help and advice through Stockton Drug Action Team's young people's service, Stash.

In addition, 800 letters, including a guide for families, have gone to the parents of year 11 pupils, advising on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Sue Maddison, Stockton's head of drug strategy, said: "Together with Billingham Local Strategic Partnership and Stockton Borough Council, we are taking direct positive action to raise awareness of substance misuse in Billingham. We want everyone in the borough to understand the dangers of drugs, and this is the first step in our awareness programme.

"We are not just educating pupils, but the whole community. Drugs affect everybody, and we have put up posters in GP surgeries, community centres and drug treatment agencies to raise awareness in not just children, but their parents and the wider community."

Stash - Stockton Together Against Substance Harm - was officially launched in March and provides a comprehensive service for young people under 19 with substance misuse problems, including advice, harm reduction, clinical interventions, work with families and outreach through community and drop-in sessions.

The service has an open referral system and in addition, offers support to parents, carers and family members.

David Reach, headteacher at Billingham Campus School, said: "This campaign occurs at a very crucial time in the lives of all year 11 students.

"Bede Sixth Form College and the three Billingham secondary schools have worked with the Billingham Partnership Board and Drugs Action Team to outline the possible dangers of taking drugs at any time, but in particular over the long summer break.

"It is reassuring to know that our young people have the support of such agencies at a very important time in their lives."

Stash can be contacted by telephoning (01642) 607028 or by visiting its base at Malborough House, 30-32 Yarm Road, Stockton, between 8.45am and 4.45pm Monday to Friday.

For advice and services, the drug action team can be contacted on (01642) 528474.