AN event to help spread the anti-drugs message and raise awareness among people of all ages took place in Redcar during the weekend.

Street theatre, steel bands and basketball displays were some of the activities taking place in the sixth annual Drugs Awareness Day (DAD) in the town.

Organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cleveland Police and the youth and health agencies, the event included performances from young people who entered their bands in Popstars type events during the summer.

Cleveland Police were on hand to show visitors what drugs and drug taking paraphernalia look like and had information and advice available.

Margaret Moore, DAD coordinator, said: "Drugs affect every sector of the community and we hope the day helped remove some of the mystique which often surrounds the issue. Drugs are not going to go away unless we all play our part in combating the problem, so where better to start than with getting young people involved.