Staff at a dozen middle and upper schools in the Odsal area are being trained to act as drugs co-ordinators as part of a pioneering partnership with police.

The training sessions, the first of which takes place later this month, will equip them with specialist knowledge about substance abuse, drug-related and the law.

The scheme links Odsal police with the Local Education Authority, and is being supported by Bradford & District Training and Enterprise Council and the Bradford Bulls.

Jim Flood, chairman of Bradford Council's Education Committee prior to yesterday's election, explained: "The Government has said it would like to see drugs co-ordinators in place to consider issues in the curriculum and to deal with suspected drugs incidents. This is not a statutory requirement, but in Bradford we are already working with the police and other agencies to set up a network of support contacts."

The schools liaison officer for the Odsal division, PC David Crane, said it was vital they worked in partnership with the schools community to put together a coherent approach to drugs issues.

"We draw together teachers, governors, parents, school nurses and the police so that everyone can contribute to school policy.''

The scheme has been trialed in the Wyke area.

PC Crane said: "Staff have felt more confident in picking up the phone when they can put a face to the name. They have also got a network of people in a range of roles that they can draw on for information and advice."

Stuart Duffy, media manager for Bradford Bulls, said the club was delighted to be supporting the project. It complemented their community work.

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