A MAYOR joined forces with drug misuse workers to help clear up part of his town.

Northallerton mayor Tony Hall and his group spent two hours on the town's Ashlands estate, looking for drugs paraphernalia.

And although none was actually found on this occasion they still ended up gathering seven bags of rubbish.

Their action were part of Tackling Drugs Week, a national campaign aimed at making communities safe from drugs and alcohol misuse and the anti-social behaviour it spawns.

Over the past few months staff from the Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Addiction Service, Harcas, have trained pharmacy staff in the town on the importance of ensuring needles are returned to them.

Already the work is reaping rewards - in the last three months there has been a 40 per cent increase in the return rate of used needles to chemists.

Members of Harcas, North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards team, the primary care trust and the police also held street safe surgeries in Thirsk and Northallerton to offer support and advice.

"For many people talking about drug issues is a no-go area but hopefully campaigns like this will allows us to show the public just what we are doing to try to help drug users and their families cope," said Harcas manager Ruth Garrett.

Anybody wanting information, help or advice on drug and alcohol issues can contact Harcas direct on 01609-780486, call into their offices at 85 South Parade, Northallerton, or visit the website www.harcas.ik.com