Awareness of drugs leads to accolades

1:16pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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Four local schools have won recognition for their drugs education.

Oakbank, in Keighley, Cullingworth Primary and Aire View Infants and Hothfield Junior, at Silsden, are among 14 schools in Bradford district to receive awards.

A presentation ceremony was held at Bradford City football stadium.

As part of the Bradford Schools' Drugs Prevention Initiative Charter Award, assessors examine schools' policies, partnerships, the curriculum, responses to drug-related incidents and use of resources before deciding whether they qualify.

The scheme was set up by West Yorkshire Police, Rotary and Bradford Soroptimists and is backed by the education authority.

Jawaid Akhtar, assistant chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, attended the presentation.

He said: "This scheme continues to be an overwhelming success and West Yorkshire Police are delighted to be involved.

"Tackling drugs isn't just about kicking down doors and putting dealers before the courts, education is a vital part of the fight.

"It is important that society as a whole can condemn this illicit trade and, therefore, it is vital that we ensure young people have a firm understanding of the dangers of drugs. Through this initiative young people gain the courage to speak out against drugs and to pass that message on to their peers."

Sam Preston, from Education Bradford, said: "The initiative supports schools towards meeting the standards within the National Healthy Schools programme and the Every Child Matters agenda.

"Education Bradford helps to train the voluntary assessors from the Rotary clubs and Soroptimists of Great Britain, as well as supporting schools in working towards the criteria for the award."