SCHOOLS and colleges across the New Forest have joined forces to form a new alliance aimed at warning their students about the dangers of drugs.

The focus of the new partnership, called Hampshire Safe, is to educate young people to keep them safe from harm.

Those involved include Ringwood School, Arnewood, Burgate, Priestlands and Brockenhurst College.

Brock Principal Di Roberts CBE, said: “As head teachers and principals we all share a common concern of the dangers that drugs can present to our students.

"Although none of our schools and colleges have a serious problem with drug misuse we are determined to keep it that way.

"Our overriding message is that we will do everything we can to protect our young people."

The new initiative is being launched with assemblies across the schools and colleges and a social media education campaign aimed at students.

Nigel Pressnell, head teacher of The Arnewood School, added: "Our schools and colleges are all based in rural or semi-rural areas but the reality is that even here there are concerns over the access to drugs in our communities.

"As schools and colleges we play an important role alongside parents and the police in educating and preventing our young people from falling victims to drug misuse.

"We believe as a partnership we are even stronger in this fight in safeguarding our students from harm."

Temporary Inspector from Hampshire Police, Paul Beale, said: "We welcome and support the robust action being taken by New Forest schools and colleges to tackle drug misuse.

"We will continue to work closely with schools to educate students about the dangers of drugs and deal with offences as they occur."