AN anti-drugs partnership is celebrating a major cash boost to fund the first dedicated Drugs Squad in part of the North-East.

Crime reduction officers in east Cleveland have joined forces with Langbaurgh Drugs Action Team, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Communities Against Drugs, to win a share of Government money.

The first instalment of £30,000 will pay for equipment such as computers, vehicles and courses for team members.

The partnership aims to raise awareness of drugs throughout the community, prevent youngsters from getting into drugs and help users to get off drugs.

They have also pledged to target the area's main drugs offenders.

Detective Superintendent Ian Garrett, crime manager for Langbaurgh, said: "We will use this money to get to the root of the problem by targeting people at risk of getting into drugs, as well as those who are already using them."

Jim Wilson, head of substance misuse planning at Tees Health, said: "The partnership between the police and the health authority means we can help balance the need to stifle the availability of drugs and meet the demand for treatment of drugs misuse.

"We therefore welcome any additional resources that are made available - especially in areas of disadvantage which suffer disproportionately.