Singer David Graham pumped up the volume and delivered a message to 800 children - "Don't do drugs and don't be tempted".

The performer then quoted from the title song of his latest CD Natural High before a packed audience of pupils at Fitzharrys School, in Abingdon.

The 24-year-old singer told them: "Get your highs from the natural way and don't get involved in drugs".

The up-and-coming songster, who has featured in the television programme Pop Idols, was an instant hit with the youngsters as he hammered home the anti-drugs message.

His two 75-minute singing and inter-active competition shows were the first of a series the entertainer will be giving to more than 2,500 children at Oxfordshire schools this week.

The Oxford Mail has given £3,000 to the charity Crimestoppers to fund the roadshow. The SNAP show - Say No And Phone Crimestoppers - is proving an entertaining and effective vehicle to combat the menace of drugs.

David Graham has been getting over the anti-drugs message to schoolchildren for the past three years. This year alone he will appear at more than 100 schools.

He said: "It's vital to get the message across to young children before they get tempted.

"I tell them to get a natural high through a positive lifestyle. My message is anti-drugs, anti-smoking, anti-drinking - anything with chemicals in it.

"From the feedback we get, the message is getting through. Our aim is to raise awareness of Crimestoppers, drugs and healthy lifestyles. Figures show that after our shows, Crimestoppers receive an increase in calls about drug dealing and drug-related crime."

There were two performances yesterday for primary school children from Abingdon, Radley and Dry Sandford.

Julie Summerfield, the deputy headteacher of Fitzharrys School, said: "It was a huge success, full of fun and entertainment, but with a serious intent.

"The show is targeted at young children because it's vital to get the anti-drugs message over early so they are prepared for what may confront them later on."

In the first show, Adam Dennie, ten, a pupil at Dry Sandford Primary School, won the top prize for his catchphrase: "Don't take drugs, they are bad for your health - so don't try it, be yourself". Second was Carlie Fenton, ten, of St Nicolas' School, Abingdon, whose phrase was: "Don't let drugs bring you down - find another way to spend your pound".