A SHOCKING video detailing the life of a former Ledbury heroin user will be shown tonight to members of the police consultative group in Hereford.

Rachel Whitear's mum Pauline Holcroft and stepdad Mick gave their permission for the film to be made following the discovery of the 21-year-old undergraduate's body in a dingy flat in Exmouth, Devon.

The couple hope Rachel's Story will raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

After viewing the 22-minute film, the police panel will have a chance to hear a talk by PC Les Wilkinson.

Police forces, drug action group co-ordinators, community groups and schools across the country have also expressed an interest in the film.

It shows shocking pictures of Rachel's body, still clutching a syringe, treasured family snapshots and interviews with loved ones.

It chronicles her happy childhood and tracks her descent from promising university student to heroin addict.

Interest in the film has not been confined to Britain. There have been calls to show it in Singapore and Panama.

The video, funded by the Department of Health, was made by Herefordshire Healthy Schools Project and will be shown in schools under the supervision of trained teachers.