Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is helping the North-East stay streets ahead when it comes to supporting young people in the struggle against drugs.

Three councils in the Tees Valley, including Redcar and Cleveland, have been chosen by the Government to launch a new strategy and work with drug action teams to develop their service.

Home Office Minister for Drugs, Caroline Flint, visited Middlesbrough on Wednesday to see for herself how the hard work is paying off.

Redcar and Cleveland council, with Middlesbrough and Stockton councils, are among 30 local authorities chosen to drive forward the drugs initiative.

Speaking from the Eclipse Drug Action Centre in Middlesbrough, Ms Flint said: "Drugs can have a devastating effect on children.

"The Government recently set out a comprehensive strategy to help these vulnerable young people and this announcement shows we want to test what works best and share effective practices across the country.

"These 30 chosen local authorities will act as leaders for the whole programme."

Coun Joyce Benbow, Redcar's cabinet member for community safety, said: "It can only be a good thing that Redcar is seen as a leader.

"Our drug action teams do a wonderful job and I'm so pleased to be part of a Government that has recognised that and will now improve on that success."

The Minister was among a delegation of 300 people at a Home Office event in Sunderland to identify future challenges and build on its past successes.

The event, one of six across the country, heard from medical and law enforcement experts as well as a former drug user from North Tyneside.

The 30-year-old, who only wants to be known as Claire, told the gathering how she had started taking drugs at the age of 16. A life of crime to fund her habit led to a prison sentence.

But with a story of hope for other drug users, Claire now works with the North Tyneside Drug Action Team.

Supporting the roadshows, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "These events bring together all the key people who can make a difference in their region.

"While many work in different areas, they all share a common goal."