NEWPORT youngsters are being educated about the dangers of drug abuse with a play designed to help them deal with peer pressure.

This week nearly 2,000 Year 6 Newport students aged ten and 11 have seen the play Wings to Fly at the Dolman Theatre in Newport, with the last showing tonight.

Since 1998 a different Newport school has performed the play each year and this time budding actors from Year 9 at Caerleon Comprehensive School took to the stage.

The play was written by Margaret Rooney, former arts development officer at the Blackwood Miners' Institute, to appeal to youngsters. It tells the story of a group of friends who have encounters with drugs.

Viewers follow them through different situations before the play ends with a life hanging in the balance.

Gwent Chief Constable Michael Tonge said: "The play is simple but effective in delivering the drugs message and is followed up with lessons from schools liaisons officers. Wings to Fly has proved an effective part of our drugs education programme."

Schools liaison officer PC Simon Jenkins said: "Stories of pop stars and celebrities and their encounters with drugs are common, but hopefully pupils understand the risks drugs carry."

Schools liaison officers visit schools to inform pupils of the physical and emotional dangers of taking drugs, and the penalties for using them.

The initiative was sponsored by Gwent Shrievalty Police Trust; Newport City Council; Lloyds TSB Insurance in Newport; Newport Neighbourhood Watch; and the South Wales Argus, which also produced a souvenir supplement for the audience.