Ledbury Youth First and DASH have launched a monthly programme of drugs education workshops at John Masefield High School.

Kate Best, a worker with the Drugs Advisory Service for Herefordshire (DASH) will also make contact with young people in venues such as the Grind Bar in The Homend.

The move was welcomed by Coun Spencer Lane, a governor of at John Masefield High School, said: "I wish the DASH worker well and I know she has the support of the school and a lot of the parents. It's important for the DASH worker to make contact with staff and pupils and, more importantly, with pupils who have problems."

Ledbury Town Council is funding the DASH worker as a pilot project until the end of March, 2002, for young people living in Ledbury and surrounding parishes. The total cost will be £2,750.

Lisa Kimberley, Ledbury Youth First's youth development worker, said of the DASH programme in Ledbury: "This could be a life-saver. Until now, there has been nothing like this in Ledbury for young people, where they can seeking information without lots of barriers being in their way."

For further details, ring 01531 636800.