EAST Lancashire parents are being told to warn children about the dangers of drug abuse after two children were found with cannabis at school.

Police were called to a Pendle high school after a 15 year-old and a 14 year-old were found passing between them a £20 bag of cannabis in the corridor.

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The school, which is not being identified by police, reported the incident on Thursday, June 4.

Officers said they are not treating the activity as drug dealing and are still unsure if they will caution the children involved.

However they said the children involved and their parents have been spoken to in the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of drug use.

Teaching union NASUWT say that the incidents of drug taking on school premises is 'worrying'.

Pendle Neighbourhood Sgt Shaun Pearson said: "A clear snap seal bag was being passed between a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old pupil in the corridors of a secondary school in Pendle last week.

"Inside were all the components to make a cannabis joint.

"We would urge parents to have a word with their children asking them not to give into peer pressure and to try smoking cannabis. Show them both sides of the debate for and against, get them to research themselves on the internet.

"They might also want to look up the penalties for possessing the Class B drug, or even possession with intent to supply, because one mate passing it to another no matter how small a quantity is supply.

"We have spoken to the children involved and their families. The matter is still under investigation but we don't want to criminalise these children, instead we rather educate them about the dangers of taking drugs and the consequences of being caught in possession of drugs.

"Little is still really known about the dangers of cannabis, however it can be a gateway drug and lead on to further drug usage.

"I would advise parents to tell children to report it to a teacher if they are offered drugs in school."

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT teaching union said: "Any incident of drugs on school premises is worrying as it will often only be the tip of the iceberg of what young people are encountering on the streets.

"Teachers and school leaders are always alert to the potential for young people being involved in drug or alcohol abuse.

"Unfortunately, many of the programmes and specialist support on which schools could rely to assist them in supporting and educating young people in the perils of substance abuse have been cut under the Government since 2010."

Police are appealing for information regarding who is targeting children with drugs.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 anonymously.