A NEW tool is being used to educate Bolton parents and children about the dangers of drugs.

Packed with fake examples of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and other illegal drugs, the "drug box" has been heralded as one of the best educational tools available.

It is being used in a new drug awareness campaign by Respect Counselling, a support and advice group.

The group, based in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, conducted a survey about drug related issues in Great Lever over three months -- and says it uncovered a "worrying" lack of knowledge among parents.

Donald Gayle, a Respect youth worker, said: "Surprising, a lot of parents do not know the difference between a cannabis plant and a tomato plant.

"We want parents to be able to spot the dangers and realise what drugs and drug-taking equipment look like. We only got the box about three weeks ago but many people have been shocked. They have no idea what things look like. Someone could be taking drugs right in front of them and many parents would have no idea."

The box, which cost £700, also contains examples of equipment used to take drugs . Mr Gayle added: "It is the closest thing you can get to real drugs.

"The drugs are just powder and wax but they look very realistic. The needles are real."

Respect Counselling is funded by Bolton's Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and the Government-funded Great Lever Neighbourhood Management scheme.

The full results of its survey are due to be announced at a public meeting at Sunnyside Community Centre, Moisant Street, Great Lever, on Saturday, February 7.

Guest speakers will address issues surrounding drug misuse in children. A video will also be shown.

All are welcome from 10am until 3.30pm. For details, contact Respect Counselling on 01204 848011.

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Respect Counselling offer a counselling service for anyone affected by drugs. Alcohol concerns are also addressed. The group offer counselling, mentoring, educational awareness and advice for anyone in Bolton.

A NEW tool is being used to educate Bolton parents and children about the dangers of drug misuse.

Packed with fake examples of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and other illegal drugs, the 'drug box' has been heralded as one of the best educational tools available.

It is being used in a new drug awareness campaign by Respect Counselling, a support and advice group funded by Bolton's Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and the Government-funded Great Lever Neighbourhood Management scheme.

The group, based Chorley Old Road, Bolton, conducted a survey about drug-related issues in Great Lever over three months -- and say it uncovered a "worrying" lack of knowledge among parents.

Donald Gayle, a Respect youth worker, said: "Surprising, a lot of parents do not know the difference between a cannabis plant and a tomato plant.

"It is about education and awareness. We want parents to be able to spot the dangers and realise what drugs and drug-taking equipment look like. We only got the box about three weeks ago but many people have been shocked. They have no idea what things look like. Someone could be taking drugs right in front of them and many parents would have no idea."

The box, which cost £700, also contains examples of equipment used to take drugs and needles. Mr Gayle added: "It is the closest thing you can get to real drugs. A lot of people think that it is real.

"The drugs are just powder and wax but they look very realistic. The needles are real."

The full results of the survey are due to be announced at a public meeting at Sunnyside Community Centre, Moisant Street, Great Lever, on Saturday, February 7.

Guest speakers will address issues surrounding drug misuse in children and offer advice for parents.

A video made by the group showing parents ways of spotting signs of drug use will also be shown.

All are welcome to attend from 10am until 3.30pm. For details, contact Respect Counselling on 01204 848011.