A BLUE wristband is the latest weapon Southend schools are using to kick drugs out of schools.

The wristband and a new anti-drugs charter were launched this week by the council which acts as the town's education authority.

Words on the wristband read "my school is drug free" and the charter sets out exactly where Southend's schools stand on all aspects of drugs.

Roger Hadley, the executive councillor for children and learning watched the launch inside the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue.

He said: "It is vital to present a united front on drugs and we are delighted to have developed this charter with our partners in the fight against drugs.

"I want to thank Keymed for sponsoring the leaflets which state our young people have the right to learn and achieve in an environment free from alcohol and drug misuse."

The launch was also attended by the council's director of children and learning, Paul Greenhalgh.

He presented all the schools which had signed up to the charter with certificates showing the charter.

The charter was developed by a working party which also included representatives from secondary schools, South Essex Primary Care Trust, the Drug and Alcohol Team and Essex Police.

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