SCHOOL nurses in Morecambe Bay have completed a pioneering training course following a shock survey of teenage drug use in the district.

Fifteen nurses took part in the scheme which showed them how to spot the signs of drug use and how to talk to pupils about illegal drugs.

The course comes after a survey last year revealed that almost half of 15-year-olds in the area had been offered drugs.

It also reveals that more than one quarter of 17-year-old boys drank at least 10 pints a week while one third of 15-year-olds girls smoked cigarettes regularly.

Said one of the course organisers, Ann Kendrick: "The course has three main elements - basic drug awareness, young people and drug use and educational issues. The nurses are now able to support young people and follow up drug education in the class room."

The latest survey revealed that by the age of 15, 44 per cent of boys and 47 per cent of girls had been offered at least one illegal drug.

A spokesman for the Morecambe Bay Health Authority commented : "These statistics show that health promotion training is essential if young people are to get the support and advice they need to cope with the prevalence of both legal and illegal drugs."

The spokesman added: "Secondary schools within the district now have drop-in centres run by the nurses at lunchtimes. Pupils now feel more confident talking to their school nurse about anything from bullying to homework pressures."

To find out more about the health promotion unit call 01539 721304.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.