A DRUGS education project that has proved a great success is training a new group of youngsters.

The Outthere Project is a peer-led drugs scheme that works with young people between the ages of 13 and 25.

Project leaders are currently working in Greenfield School, in Newton Aycliffe, training a group of volunteers to become peer educators and spread the drugs safety message across the Sedgefield borough.

Last year's Ferryhill group are nearing the completion of their portfolios for a recognised certificate in drugs issues.

As a reward for their hard work, a number of young people were taken paint-balling at a centre in Northallerton.

A spokeswoman for the project said: "It was a freezing cold, wet day, but all had a great time."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer peer educator, or who would like to talk to someone close to their age about their drug use, can telephone the Outthere Project on 0191-384 2785.