POLICE lawyer Niamh Astles is now campaigning to stop other youngsters from using drugs following her son's death.

She is involved in a world-wide campaign to stop kids abusing narcotics.

Mrs Astles said in a statement read out at Gareth's inquest: "The pathologist stated in his report that examination of Gareth revealed methadone at a concentration he considered to be just significant to cause death in a naive user.

"Gareth died from ignorance.

"A worldwide organisation exists and has recently become active in Lancashire.

"It is locally called the Life Education Trust for Lancashire. It offers preventative drug abuse programmes for children from three to 15 years of age.

"These programmes aim to educate children about the positive aspects of being alive. It is totally self funding.

"We would ask the people of Lancashire, especially concerned parents and teachers, to support this Trust.

"Further information may be obtained by contacting the chairman on 01524 63721 or me at Lancashire constabulary headquarters on 01772 618919.

"Then Gareth will not have died have vain."

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