TEACHERS from schools across East Lancashire are gearing up for the final year of the Blueprint drug education project.

Teachers from Walton High School, Nelson; Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School in Accrington; and Alder Grange High School in Rawtenstall, are preparing for the final stage of the drug education research programme, after completing their second round of teacher training at the end of December.

Blueprint is a Government drug education programme which the schools are piloting to try and spread the word about the dangers of drug abuse.

The three schools are among just 29 nationally who are trying out the scheme.

The recent two-day training sessions introduced teachers to subjects they will have to cover in the coming year, including drug facts, risks and effects, as well as the law on drugs, a topic which plays a key role throughout the final year where five further sessions will be delivered to year seven and eight pupils.

One of the Blueprint teacher trainers, Lesley de Meza, said it was vital to give young people the real facts and figures about drugs, including alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, as well as medicines and illegal drugs.

She said: "The programme has already proven a hit with pupils and has provided opportunities, through activities and workshops, for parents and children to talk more openly about difficult issues.

"And the research shows that targeting this age group is the way to have an impact on their behaviour and views on all drugs -- from tobacco, solvents, and prescription drugs to Ecstasy and caffeine.

"With a new teaching plan in place for Year 8 pupils, it was critical to get the Blueprint teachers together again for new training sessions. "The focus this year is again very much on active teaching methods, with the training providing a refresher on skills used throughout the first year as well as introducing some new concepts to the teachers."

Year 8 pupils at Walton, Mount Carmel and Alder Grange will begin their final year of Blueprint lessons in the Spring term.

Lessons will continue to be supported by activities involving parents, the local community and healthcare professionals.