A DRIVE to stamp out drug-related crime plaguing ethnic minorities in Bolton has been launched by the town's Hindu communities.

More than 50 people attended a conference at the Albert Halls to discuss the misuse of drugs and alcohol by Asians, which is believed to be worst in Deane, Rumworth, Derby and Halliwell.

Donald Gayle, from Respect Counselling, and PC Celia Boardman, Greater Manchester Police's school liaison officer, were among speakers urging that action be taken.

Police outlined the legislation on mandatory drug testing and cleared up confusion about cannabis by stressing the drug was still illegal.

Priti Merai, community project officer, said: "Asians tend to hide these issues and don't deal with them openly. We want them to realise that they don't have to solve problems on their own because there is help out there."

The event was supported by the Bolton Interfaith Council, which helps schools teach multi-faith religious education.

This summer, the Bolton Indians Sports and Social Club is running training courses for children of all ages at Hacken Lane. For further information contact Mukesh on 416101 or Pankaj Tripathi on 07939130819.