Cannabis abuse seems to be increasing in Didcot as more families seek help, according to a support group.

Didcot-based Families Against Drugs (Fad) has reported a rise in the number of people struggling to deal with the issue.

The group, which offers advice and support to families affected by drug addiction, has now organised a public meeting to raise awareness of the growing problem.

Police officers, youth workers and psychiatric nurses will talk about all aspects of cannabis abuse.

Anna Nichols, who runs the group, said: "We have been seeing an increase in the number of contacts made to us by family members of cannabis users."

She added: "We wanted to try to do something to address the problem and raise awareness of the seriousness of using cannabis."

Mrs Nichols said mental health problems were the most common issue associated with the drug. But the meeting, supported by Didcot Town Council, would examine all aspects.

Among the speakers will be Rick Hemmingway, from Bath University, who will give a presentation on the effects of cannabis on the brain. He will also talk about whether it leads to harder substance abuse.

Community psychiatric nurse Jenny Simm will talk about mental health problems associated with cannabis.

Mrs Nichols has also visited both Didcot secondary schools to encourage teenagers to attend. She added: "If just a few people stop using it or are stopped from ever using it the the meeting will have been a success."

The meeting, entitled The Truth About Cannabis, will be on October 26 at Didcot Civic Hall, starting at 8pm.