PARENTS in Gravesham are being given a helping hand in identifying drug use by their children.

Handy information cards are being distributed to 20 primary schools in the borough warning parents of the dangers of drugs and what to look out for.

The scheme, officially launched at a parent teacher evening at Cecil Road School, Gravesend, has been set up by Gravesend Rotary Club with the help of North Kent Police.

Speaking at the event earlier this month, father-of-two Grant Reeves said: "This is a magnificent guide for parents who may be worrying about their children and drugs and deserves our full support."

Cecil Road headteacher Andrew Sparks says the cards will provide "a little extra help" and is targeting at parents with children in Years Five and Six.

He added: "It is very important because if we can identify drug use early, we are in a position to do something about it."

The cards have a "signs and symptoms" section as well as freephone helpline and Crimestoppers numbers.

The cards are available through schools and parent teacher associations. A national website www.drugsuk.org set up recently also offers help.

November 20, 2001 13:17