An anti-Drugs programme run by probation officers and drug workers has been set up in Calderdale to discourage young abusers.

The first group of 14 to 16-year-olds to take part in the Young Persons Diversion from Drugs Programme has completed its eight-week initiative.

Before it started there was no programme of its type for young people in the district.

Rob Voakes, assistant chief probation officer, said young people were referred to the scheme by police officers, drug workers and social workers.

He said: "For the past five years there has been a big increase in the number of under 18s using heroin and there was nothing set up to deal with this.

"Alcohol has also become a drug of abuse among young people and there is a rising number of young alcoholics."

Mr Voakes said three more eight-week courses would be run before the funding runs out next summer.

The pilot scheme was set up with a £5,000 grant from the West Yorkshire Police Community Trust.

Participants are given health education and are urged to share their experiences.

Course leaders hope they can also encourage the youngsters to return to school or start training courses.

But Mr Voakes said the primary aim was to ensure participants ended their drug abuse.

He said: "We have been careful to assess the young people so we don't put people who are starting to dabble with drugs with those who have an established habit.

"At the end of the day I want them to stop. But at the very least if they are going to take drugs I want them to take them safely."

The programme was set up with help from Dashline, which provides social and medical support for adult drug users in Calderdale.

Halifax Police community safety liaison officer inspector Chris Harden said: "We need to try innovative ways of stopping people getting involved with drugs.

"From a policing point of view it results in a reduction in crime since users often steal to fund their habit."

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