POLICE moved this week to allay fears that children in Bromsgrove may be sold drug-laced paper images of cartoon characters.

It followed a memo sent to parents of youngsters at Meadows First School, in Stourbridge Road, by headteacher Peter Williman.

He issued the warning in good faith after being given the information by a parent whose judgement he trusted.

The memo warns of a tattoo called "blue star", the size of a pencil eraser, soaked in the drug and which it is claimed can be absorbed simply by handling.

Also of brightly coloured postage stamp-like pieces of paper with pictures of among others Mickey Mouse, Superman and Bart Simpson.

West Mercia Con-stabulary's press officer, Allen Peach, said it appears information given to the school is based on material which has been circulating over a number of years in the force area and elsewhere.

He stresses the material is not published by the police.

The material contains many inaccuracies and plays on parents' fears and ignorance of drugs, he said.

He added: "People wanting information and guidance should contact their local police.

"We have no idea why the original leaflets were produced or what the aims were."

Mr Williman commented: "As is our normal practice when parents tell about a serious concern affecting the welfare of our children we like to share it with other parents.

"In this instance there was an opportunity to give a timely reminder to parents to be aware of substance abuse."