THE dangers of drug taking were hammered home to Smithills School pupils by a man who knows more than most -- the father of Ecstasy victim Leah Betts.
Since the Essex teenager's tragic death eight years ago, former police inspector Paul Betts has devoted much of his time to touring schools and giving pupils the facts about drugs.
It was Mr Betts' third visit to Smithills School and this time 600 Year Eight and Nine pupils were given the benefit of his knowledge.
He put before them the realities of different kinds of drugs and shared with them the heartbreak of his daughter dying in his arms from Ecstasy poisoning.
Despite the devastating stories he tells, Mr Betts always leaves it up to the pupils to come to their own conclusions about drug taking.
"There were even some pupils crying," said assistant headteacher Paul Haynes.
Staff have been so impressed by Mr Betts' talks that they are hoping he will make regular return visits to the school from his home in Scotland.
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