YOUNGSTERS have given up their time to learn how to teach others about drugs and alcohol.

Twenty-six teenagers from across County Durham were presented with certificates after taking part in a project called Smart Zone.

The 14 to 16-year-olds have given up their evenings and three full days of their Easter holidays to develop their presentational skills so they can talk to other youngsters about the hazards of drinking and taking drugs or other substances.

The youngsters joined the project after going on the Durham Youth Enterprise Scheme, run by the county's police force with organisations such as youth groups and the fire brigade.

The scheme, aimed at youngsters with low self-esteem, victims of crime and those considered at risk of behaving anti-socially, entails spending a week in the Lake District where they take part in outdoor activities such as mountain biking and kayaking.

"It is about working as a team, building up confidence in themselves, trying new things and taking them out of their normal environment," said Durham Police's youth liaison officer, PC Dawn Lee.

"They also do workshops on crime and drugs and alcohol and this is called Smart Zone. They then have the opportunity to sign up as teachers on Smart Zone.

"Over 45 young people wanted to come on it but we had to choose 26. They will come back on the scheme in August and will facilitate the workshops that are done with other young people. It is a peer-led drugs and alcohol education programme that educates youngsters so that they can make informed choices.

"The young people present information in their own style, which is upbeat and energetic."