TEENAGE issues including drugs and alcohol abuse, bullying, sex and racism, are being tackled in a series of presentations by Darlington pupils.

As part of the PS2K (Peer Support 2000) initiative, the group of 11 to 16-year olds spoke to representatives from health education, social services and police at Darlington Civic Theatre yesterday.

The performances have been shown to pupils at schools in the Darlington Borough Council area, to increase youngsters' awareness of the issues. The initiative is backed by the council's community education department.

Youngsters involved in the project receive training twice a week and during school holidays.

The sessions take the form of drama presentations and workshops, which involve each peer educator taking a small group of children for individual sessions.

Yesterday's event was aimed at pupils in year eight, but PS2K will be visiting secondary schools in the town to take part in discussion groups with students.

Councillor Eleanor Lister, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for education, said: "These issues are important and PS2K has shown their innovative style has proved to be successful in getting their message across."

Youngsters from PS2K will be taking part in an event at the Millennium Dome next month, alongside youngsters from schools and organisations from Darlington.