WHEN it comes to educating young people about drugs — it is best to be “Frank” according to secondary school teachers in Bolton.

Over the past two weeks, a special bus has been pulling up outside the borough’s schools to teach young people about the dangers of substance misuse.

The interactive bus is part of the Government’s drug education programme —Frank — for young people.

Julia Higgs-Hacker, the personal, social and health education and citizenship co-ordinator at Withins School in Breightmet, said: “Equipping young people with the knowledge to make life choices is as important as their academic education. Interactive activities like this complement the education provided in school.”

The upstairs of the bus is out of bounds to staff so children can speak openly to Frank advisers. The bus is designed so youngsters can have fun while learning more about the risks of drug use.

Pupils had a chance to try out the Drugs Mugs, a 3D digital computer to see how drugs affect appearance, listen to recorded messages from those who have experienced drugs and take part in other activities.

Mrs Higgs-Hacker said: “The feedback we have had from the pupils has been very positive, and what they have seen and learnt has shocked them.”

The Frank bus tour manager, Lisa Volante said: “It is so important to educate all young people, whatever their background, about drugs, because they are more widely available and cheaper.

“A lot of schools don’t have enough drug awareness resources. Children don’t like being dictated to. We are here to dispel myths about drugs and inform young people about the truth.”

Headboy Perry Bamfo and headgirl Gemma Hawkins said all young people should have a chance to go on the bus.

Perry, aged 16, said: “Some of the things we saw, such as how drugs affect appearance were quite shocking. But young people need to find out the facts. I think the pupils will have learned a lot and have the knowledge to make the right life choices.”

Gemma, aged 15, added: “Some of the things we heard and saw were quite scary, but it was important for pupils to have experienced that. Interactive sessions really help a person’s learning.

“It would be great if all subjects, including academic subjects, could be complemented with interactive sessions like this.”

The bus also pulled up in the grounds of George Tomlinson School in Kearsley.

Teacher at George Tomlinson, Paul Chapman: “It is a confidential service and allows young people to be open and honest”.

schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk