CHILDREN as young as five are to be introduced to needles as councillors battle to prevent youngsters being involved in Leyland's drugs trade.

The radical plan is being tested by councillors in Farington after an eight-year-old came across used needles dumped behind a pub in Stanifield Lane.

Fortunately she did not touch the needles. Now three local councillors have joined forces to persuade local headteachers to issue warnings about the dangers of used needles to their pupils.

Their aim is to inform every youngster in Farington about the risks, by showing them examples and explaining the perils of drugs - using Smarties sweets as an example. Coun Mark Alcock, who has been visiting local schools with fellow councillors Judith England and Christine Harrison, said: "We want to warn children not to touch needles because they could harm them.

"By showing them something like a Smartie we can put across the point that although it may look like a sweet, it might not be and so shouldn't be touched.

"So far all the schools in our area have responded positively and told all their pupils about it."

But he added: "It is important that this scheme is repeated during the new school term when youngsters start. Drug abuse is a problem which is not going to go away.

"It would be a tragedy if we had just sat back and done nothing and allowed ignorance to cause a child real harm."

If anyone discovers any needles in the street in the South Ribble area, they should call 01772-625499.

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