TEENAGERS are to get a hard-hitting lesson on the risks of underage drinking as part of an international programme.

A play focusing on a group of friends who find themselves in trouble as a result of their misuse of alcohol will be put on for students at schools across the area as part of the ‘Smashed’ Project.

It will be followed by an interactive workshop exploring the consequences portrayed by the actors with the aim to equip them with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions about drinking or not drinking.

The project will visit West Craven High School in Barnoldswick and All Saints Catholic High School in Rawtenstall today and Alder Grange Technology College in Rawtenstall and St Wilfrid’s CE Academy in Blackburn next week.

Jon-Paul Fagan, assistant principal KS3 student engagement behaviour at St Wilfrid’s, said the play will be shown to year eights in a bid to equip them with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to make responsible choices around alcohol’.

He said: “We are very much looking forward to the workshop and believe that this will provide our students with valuable knowledge and information around an extremely important topic.”

The project, which will visit 12 countries in 12 months, has been welcomed by MPs across East Lancashire.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “Smashed should be commended for helping young students understand the potentially devastating consequences of alcohol abuse, and for helping them make the right decisions as they grow older.”

Kate Hollern, MP for Blackburn, said the project is taking the lead in tackling the culture of underage drinking in the UK and internationally.

“I’d like to thank them for visiting schools here in Blackburn and working in our community with pupils to start conversations to help them make informed decisions in the future.”

While Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, said: “I’m glad to see that Smashed continues to engage young people across the UK – and further afield – in discussions around alcohol misuse each year.

“We know the risks can be high, and so it is important we continually support those who are finding new and original ways to engage young people on these very important issues.”