LOCAL health chiefs have backed a government campaign to stop youngsters dabbling with drugs on New Year's Eve.

Christmas and New Year are two of the busiest times for East Lancashire hospitals and, according to health bosses, drug-taking is one of the main reasons.

John Dell, Deputy Chief Executive of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Hospital Trust, said: "The trust strongly backs the drugs awareness campaign that the government has organised. We support any campaign that raises the awareness of drugs and the affects that they have on people.

"This time of year is probably the busiest for hospitals around the country.

"This is when we always see a rise in the amount of people admitted to hospital because of drugs.

"If people are reminded of the dangers of drugs, they may think twice about taking them and perhaps save their own life."

Many people take drugs without knowing the full facts about what they are doing, according to Home Office Drugs Minister, Bob Ainsworth.

He said: "Drug-related deaths make the headlines, but what many young people do not know about are the less dramatic side effects of taking Class A drugs.

"These can include long-term medical problems such as panic attacks, paranoia, depression, sleeplessness and heart problems.

"Many young people get their information about illegal drugs from their friends, from drug dealers or from urban myths."