THE North West has the worst record for deaths from solvent abuse in the country.

New figures reveal that between 1971 and 1998 a record 236 youngsters died after sniffing aerosols, glue and lighter fuel -- the highest figures for any English region and beaten over the 27 year period only by Scotland within the UK.

In 1997 and 1998 there were 14 deaths in each year -- the highest figure for the UK including Scotland.

Only Yorkshire and the Humber and the East of England with 11 deaths in 1977 and the East Midlands and Scotland with 10 in 1998 come close.

Overall there were 74 deaths from solvent abuse in 1997 and 70 in 1998 -- considerably below the average figures during the 1990s.

The UK total between 1971 and 1998 was 1,762.

Health Minister Gisela Stewart welcomed the a continuing fall in the number of young people dying from sniffing aerosols and glue but warned that there were still high levels of death from sniffing butane lighter refills.

She said new legislation which came into force last year banning the sale of cigarette lighter fuel to the under 18s was aimed at substantially reducing these figures.

Announcing that GPs are now to start going into classrooms to warn primary school children of the dangers of drugs, and solvents among other important health messages, Mrs Stewart said we are determined that children know about the dangers solvent abuse.