A BOLTON team has got £37,000 from a £2 million government fund to tackle drugs problems.

Bolton Drug Action Team will use the cash to help fund its new scheme to educate young people about the dangers of drugs through the arts.

The hand outs were announced by the chairman of the ministerial sub-committee on drug misuse, former Bolton MP Ann Taylor.

Bolton is just one of several towns who have received cash injections.

The teams bid in partnership with local businesses for part of the government's Drugs Challenge Fund.

Other groups to benefit include Bury Drug Action Team, which received £20,000 for a drugs' worker to help young people and Wigan Drug Action Team, granted £19,000 for a new scheme to help homeless drugs users.

Ann Taylor said: "I was delighted with the response from Drug Action Teams in the North-west.

"More than 50 businesses in the North-west have contributed more than £120,000 to help tackle local drugs problems.

"Many of these projects are particularly innovative and interesting, particularly those which are looking at new ways to reach young people most at risk of drug abuse.

"There are no quick and easy solutions to dealing with the problem of drugs.

"It must be a combined effort, government, parents, business, the media and young people.

"I am pleased that so many businesses have decided to play their part in contributing to local projects and I very much look forward to seeing these proposals turned into action."

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