POLICE are supporting free drugs education programme running in the February half-term in Cotford St Luke and Bishops Lydeard.

The scheme, run from a double decker bus, has been funded by the parish councils of both villages. Police say it is engaging and interactive, with special ‘goggles’ to demonstrate the effects of alcohol and drugs. Teenagers and their parents and carers will be able to learn about substance misuse through role play, games and quizzes.

This is a multi-agency project to educate young people about the risks of substance misuse. It comes after reports in recent months of Nitrous Oxide canisters being found in both villages.

Wellington Beat Team has been working on the issue, speaking with young people and parents, and this initiative supplements this work. It is part of a rolling programme recognising that young people in rural communities need facilities.

The bus will visit the Co-Op Car Park, Graham Way, Cotford St

Luke, on Friday, February 22, from 11am–1pm.

It will then be at Bishops Lydeard village hall, Mount Street, 2.30-4.30pm.

The bus, provided by Resilience Voyage, has visited Wellington and Taunton in recent months.