AN EVENT to spread the anti-drugs message and raise awareness among people of all ages took place in Redcar at the weekend.

Street theatre, steel bands and basketball demonstrations were some of the activities taking place in the town for the sixth annual Drugs Awareness Day (DAD).

Organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council, Cleveland Police and youth and health agencies, this year's DAD also included performances from young people who entered their bands in Popstars-type events over the summer.

Cleveland Police were on hand to show visitors what drugs and drug taking paraphernalia look like and had information and advice available.

Margaret Moore, Dad co-ordinator, said: "Drugs affect every sector of the community and we hope the day helped remove some of the mystique that often surrounds the issue.

"Drugs are not going to go away unless we all play our part in combating the problem so where better to start than with getting young people involved."