A schools anti-Drugs initiative has become so popular organisers are having to send out a plea for extra volunteers to keep it going.

The Bradford Schools Drugs Prevention Initiative (BSDPI) was launched in 1994 by West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, Soroptimist International, and the city's five Rotary Clubs.

So far 17 schools have been presented with the scheme's Charter Award in recognition of their policies, curriculum, response to drug-related incidents and use of resources.

The majority of assessors used to motivate and support the schools are members of the two founding charities.

But the scheme has become such a success that the appeal for members of the community to lend a helping hand is having to go district-wide.

Community safety officer for Bradford Central Police, Sergeant Chris Plowman, says the BSDPI awards are an important tool in motivating and valuing schools which positively address the scourge of drugs misuse.

"We have a high level of support for the scheme and we hope that a great number of schools from the district will come on board," he said.

"However, the growing success of the scheme means we need more people to help run it. The key people in this initiative are the assessors."

Volunteers will need to spend between only four and six hours over a three-month period in assessing schools.

And they will undergo a comprehensive training and awareness programme before they take up the role.

Sgt Plowman said: "The backgrounds of the current volunteers are various and they bring with them a wealth of personal and professional experience - the most important skill of all being able to question and listen effectively."

Dixons City Technology College, Bradford, is one of the BSDPI award winners.

Clare Thompson, head of Year 7, says the success of the scheme is down to the joint partnership approach.

"We want to ensure everyone is actively involved in the scheme by using a variety of teaching methods and resources.

"It is important everyone plays their part, including assessors - rather than the school simply telling pupils 'this is how it's going to be'."

Schools or colleges must re-apply to the scheme every three years. Application packs for this year's awards are still available from Bradford Central Police Community Safety Unit.

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