Essex Police is taking to the road with its 6th 2Smart4drugs roadshow as it aims to cut the number of teenagers trying drugs.

The police will be visiting schools across the county from January to March next year as they try to get their drugs message across too more than 8,000 11-13-year-olds.

By educating children from a young age police are hoping young people will have the knowledge and confidence in the future to make informed decisions about drugs.

The award winning roadshow is the county's flagship drugs education project and puts across the message that drugs and alcohol abuse can influence health, relationships, characters, finances and lifestyle.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "The reality is that youngsters will, unfortunately, be faced with the existence of drugs in their community. When they are they must be in a position to decide for themselves what is the safe course of action.

"Unfortunately latest research identifies the very real presence of drugs within our communities."

Children attending the roadshows will watch a 70-minute show as well as receiving a 16-page programme, which gives information about the dangers of alcohol, nicotine, drugs and other harmful substances.

The roadshow will be fronted by Essex FM DJ Chris Brooks and singer Tina Cousins and the facts about drugs and alcohol abuse will be put across through the use of live music, comedy, dance, drama and competitions.

Insp Stuart Ashton, of Essex Police Community Safety Department, said: "Essex Police is proud to be expanding its drugs awareness programme and the continued support from sponsors and partners illustrates the credibility the project enjoys."

The country has, in recent years, seen a rise in drug use. 40 per cent of 15-year-olds have tried some kind of illicit drugs, with the greatest increase being among girls, and 60 per cent of all crimes are drug related.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001