An initiative in North Kirklees to give parents more "street cred" in the war against Drugs could be adopted across West Yorkshire because of its huge success.

Parents have been snapping up the distinctive pocket-sized yellow and red drugs information card produced by Batley and Spenborough Crime Prevention Panel.

Initially 6,000 were distributed in the Batley area in February through the police station, Tesco and banks, with the help of sponsorship from the Batley Action and Batley Health organisations.

But they were so popular a further 3,000 were produced for Birstall thanks to sponsorship from Birstall Rotary Club and they are also going fast.

Now Dewsbury police sub division is seeking further sponsorship to provide the cards - which have "Parents be On Your Guard Against Drugs" written on the front - in Cleckheaton, Liversedge, Heckmondwike and Mirfield.

And West Yorkshire Police are to consider introducing the cards forcewide to help parents across the county prevent their children becoming drug addicts.

Crime prevention officer PC Colin Whiteley, of the Dewsbury sub division, said: "We are very pleased with the response so far. We've had school governing bodies ringing us up asking for more cards to send out to parents.

"The cards are proving popular with parents because they are easy to read, eye-catching and are a useful reference guide.

"The force is looking at the possibility of introducing the cards across the county but it will depend on funding being available."

The cards give details about drugs such as Ecstasy, heroin, cannabis, LSD, cocaine and amphetamines as well as tranquillisers and barbiturates.

The alternative "street names" are given for each drug, along with brief details about what form they are sold in, how they are taken, tell-tale signs to look out for if someone is a user, the effects and dangers to health.

The phone numbers for the national drugs helpline and Crimestoppers are also given. The card has been sent to the national anti-drugs co-ordinator Keith Hellawell to show work being done locally to tackle the drugs menace.

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