MORE than 150 teachers and other professionals across the county visited Wheathampstead to learn how to push the anti-drugs message home to pupils.

In the Butterfield Road Development Centre they were shown the resources available, including cd-roms and videos as well as gadgets demonstrating the health dangers like special goggles and models of clogged arteries.

Mark Hennessey of the Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service said: "It was pleasure to be part of the event.

"It was really pleasing to talk to so many people from other agencies and have them ask about our service and the wider picture regarding drugs and young people.

"One person asked me how they could spot the signs of drug use in young people.

"I described how there aren't any clear signs to tell if a young person is using drugs.

"Changes in appearance and behaviour can be mistaken for everyday teenage development."

The delegates, including youth workers and school nurses, tried out the resources, and discovered how to incorporate drug education into the National Curriculum.

The event was filmed by the Home Office and will appear on the official website www.drugs.gov.uk later in the year.