A HEAD teacher has issued a stark warning about solvent abuse after one of her pupils was left battling for his life after suffering a heart attack while apparently inhaling lighter fuel.

And pupils at Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe, have held prayers in assembly for the recovery of stricken Clarke Clayton, 14, of River Lea, Clitheroe, who was discovered unconscious in the garden of a house in Weaver's Croft, Billington, at 11.15am on Saturday.

Langho police officer Dave Fish and resident Sue Whitehead, battled to keep the boy alive with resuscitation techniques until paramedics arrived. He was taken to Blackburn Infirmary, before being transferred to Booth Hall Hospital, Manchester, where his condition is said to be poorly but stable.

Head teacher Glynne Ward said pupils were devastated by the incident and she issued a stark warning to youngsters tempted to inhale solvents: "They can kill. Don't think it couldn't happen to you.

"The pupils are devastated and we are all upset and distressed. We just feel helpless. We drum it into the pupils about drugs. Like all schools, we have done a lot to educate children about the dangers of solvent misuse, but we can't control what happens off the premises.

"Clarke must have known the dangers and I hope any youngster reading this will be warned. Drugs and solvents aren't to be messed around with. There's no turning the clock back for Clarke. If he survives, he could be very ill. Our hearts go out to his family. We just wish this hadn't happened. It's an absolute tragedy."

In June it was revealed that more people die in the North West from solvent abuse than any other part of Britain.

Last year 14 people in the region died after sniffing gas, aerosols or glue, prompting the Government to change the law. And the new law banning the sale of solvents to the under-18s comes into force next month.

Anyone wanting help or support with solvent abuse problems can call Lifeline on 01254 677493.

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