HUNDREDS of people at threat from the evil of drug addiction are to be targeted during an East Lancashire help and awareness day.

Police and a wide range of professional organisations are to join forces for the event, at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Tuesday, November 25.

The event is being organised to continue the success of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Drive Out Drugs campaign, which has helped addicts and their families as well as encouraging police and local people to join forces to drive dealers off the streets.

About 50 organisations are expected to be involved in an exchange of ideas and information during the first part of the day, with local schools invited to take part in competitions and activities designed to promote the dangers of heroin and other drugs. Guest speakers from a variety of organisations will talk about the work being done to tackle drug addiction and its effects.

Organisers are also hoping hundreds of local teenagers will attend a star-studded evening event, involving pop bands and local celebrities, between 4pm and 10pm.

Scores of people have contacted our Drive Out Drugs hotline to pass on information about dealers to police.

And many more addicts and families have contacted counsellors manning the Drive Out Drugs helpline.

Inspector Andy Pratt, who is behind the East Lancashire Drugs Awareness Day, said: "Drugs arrests in this area keep going up and we have the highest figures in the county.

"There is a need for all of us who work in the field of drugs misuse to come together, share expertise and help each other out as well as making that information and help available to other people, including local schools.

"We are targeting young people and professionals who deal with drug misuse but the event will be open to anybody."

Organisations who want to exhibit or take part in the awareness day can contact Inspector Bob Ford on 01254 353503.

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