AN MP is backing calls to ban a legal high which has grown in popularity with young people in her constituency.

After meeting with police teams in Barnard Castle, County Durham, Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman said she was confident that mephedrone may soon be made illegal.

The Labour MP has written to the Home Office outlining her reasons for supporting the move to ban the drug, which is also known as drone, bubble or meow and can cause blackouts, hallucinations and mental health problems.

In the past 12 months mephedrone has rocketed in popularity in places like Teesdale, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Darlington.

The Drug Advisory Council - which makes recommendations to the Home Secretary about drug classification - will shortly publish its assessment on the dangers of various legal highs including mephedrone, and Parliament will then have the opportunity to consider their report.

Mrs Goodman said: "I was really shocked by the news that five teenagers in Cockfield had recently been hospitalised after taking mephedrone, and I know the local police are also very concerned about the impact this dangerous drug is having on our community.

"It is quite clear that legal status does make a difference, and that as long as this drug remains legal young people are more likely to use it and the police are less able to tackle the problem.

"I think it's really important that this drug becomes illegal as soon as possible, and I am optimistic that we will have an announcement on it before Easter."

Inspector Kevin Tuck of Teesdale police, said: "We met with Mrs Goodman last week to express our concerns and to gain her support in trying to have this substance controlled as soon as possible.

"We are grateful for this quick intervention and understanding. Although Teesdale was one of the first hot spots in the UK this is now a national issue with numerous reported incidents and problems the length of the country."

Teesdale Police want to keep this issue in the public domain to help educate potential users, parents, teachers and other professionals in an effort to reduce harm.