THE MAN charged with leading the fight against drugs was in East Lancashire today to launch a major schools campaign.

Drugs" tsar" Keith Hellawell spoke to 250 delegates at a conference to launch the Tackling Drugs Together in Lancashire Schools project.

And he warned: "Drugs are available to our children and we have to recognise this. They wreak havoc and stop children reaching their full potential."

The event at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors is part of a series of meetings called to look into the problem of drug abuse in the county.

Mr Hellawell, former chief of West Yorkshire police, said: "It is only by work of this kind there can be an impact on the problem of drug misuse. "This is a complex issue, often compounded by difficult social problems and needs to be handled with sensitivity."

He added: "There is a misconception that drugs are associated with inner cities but they are also in our rural areas.

"Drug dealers are often a part of our community and people who buy from them are usually their relatives or friends.

"I am pleased to see the commitment to multi-agency collaboration in Lancashire. Events such as this are extremely important and enable everyone involved to share their knowledge and experience."

Hazel Harding, Lancashire County Council's education chairman, added: "This work has been successful because of the commitment and experience of front line staff."

"These key players will be able to learn from each others success and hopefully renew their enthusiasm for their work in the drugs field."

Mr Hellawell was also due to visit Blackpool later today to open a new day-care centre for people with drugs and alcohol problems.

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