GWENT's Chief Constable Keith Turner (pictured) was today launching a new drugs education initiative at Blaenau Gwent council chamber in Ebbw Vale.

The innovative project provides practical guidance for teachers tackling drugs education for pupils in the early years, primary ages and through to teenagers in secondary schools.

A team of police officers, health specialists and teachers have devised the extensive programme which has received special funding.

Director of education, Brian Mawby said: "It is widely acknowledged that there is a growing drugs problem right across the UK.

"This training programme will involve every school in the authority. "It provides a valuable resource which embraces the philosophy of the personal and social education framework and outlines the skills, attitudes and values associated with having the confidence to reject drugs."

Superintendent Roger Morgan, of Ebbw Vale, wrote in the foreword to the programme: "Policing alone will not divert or prevent young people from becoming involved in the sordid world of drug abuse.

"But this programme will give our young people the opportunity to better understand the impact that drugs of all kinds can have on their lives and then give them the confidence and will to reject any invitations and pressures to limit their lives by drugs."