FRIGHTENING figures have revealed that the North West has the highest number of deaths linked to solvent abuse in the country.

The statistics were published on the day the Government announced moves to ban the sale of butane lighter refill canisters to teenagers.

Figures for the last 10 years show the region regularly has one of the highest number of deaths for teenagers getting their kicks sniffing butane and other dangerous chemicals.

Recent cases in East Lancashire have included Gareth Greenhalgh, 15, who collapsed and died after sniffing a lethal dose of lighter fuel in March.

His father, Gary Greenhalgh, of Avallon Way, Darwen, told an inquest Gareth first tried sniffing gas during a visit to Blackburn Ice Arena.

David Michael Cottriell, 17, fell off a canal barge and died after sniffing hair spray during a pleasure cruise in 1997. At the time he was staying with his family in a homeless shelter in Blackburn.

Last year 14 people in the North West died after sniffing gas, aerosols or glue.

The rising death toll has prompted the Government to ban the sale of butane refill bottles to anyone under the age of 18 from October. An East Lancashire support group Lifeline, is backing the move and has published a pamphlet offering advice and help.

A spokesman said: "This simple change in legislation should not be seen as a cure for the problem. It will be important to monitor the impact that this change in legislation and its subsequent enforcement has on the use of lighter refills."

Dee McClean, of the Government's Health Education Authority said: "It is never safe to use solvents - you could die the first time or the hundredth time."

Shopkeepers will be told of the new law over the coming months and face stiff penalties if they are caught selling butane gas to youngsters.

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