MOVES to tell children as young as nine about the dangers of drugs have been welcomed by a mother whose son was ravaged by heroin.

Drugs advice has been handed out at schools and colleges this week as part of a five-day crackdown on drugs and the drug trade in Oxfordshire.

Year Six pupils at Pegasus Primary School, in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, and Harwell Primary School, in Harwell, were among the youngest to be told of the dangers of drug use.

Children at the Oxford Academy, Didcot Girls’ School and St Birinus School, The Warriner School in Bloxham, Banbury School and the North Oxfordshire Academy were also visited by drugs experts throughout the week.

Brenda Lennon, 47, set up a weekly drugs support group for friends and families after watching her 26-year-old son Lee battle his drugs addiction for five years, including a spell in jail.

Mrs Lennon, of Woodstock Road, Oxford, welcomed the move to tell children as young as nine what to look out for.

She said: “In some places dealers stand outside schools waiting for children.

“If you can get to a child before someone else does and educate them, then that is half the battle.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea. You are never too young to learn about the dangers of drugs.”

During Tackling Drugs Week, police also stepped up efforts to seek out dealers and drug dens.

John Parry, county council director for community safety, said: “This is the first time public services and other agencies across the county have come together in this way to highlight all the valuable work going on to tackle an issue that affects all of Oxfordshire’s communities.

“Through our partnership work we are determined to tackle issues relating to drug use head- on, providing effective education, treatment and support, backed up with law enforcement.

“We want to reach out to as many people as possible and spread the word that we are committed to the fight against drug use and that there is help out there for anyone who needs it.”

The week began with drop-in sessions at East Oxford Community Centre and also included information stalls at colleges and schools, libraries, hospitals and courts across the county.

Local school pupils performed a play at Cornerstone Arts Centre, in Didcot, addressing drug use.

The Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) held a conference with children yesterday.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk