DRUGS within schools is another nationwide problem which affects Wyre Forest.

However, police are urging headteachers and local authorities to work with them if a problem arises.

PC Hewitt said: "It is a very delicate situation for schools because once it gets out that there have been drugs there then there is a reputation to deal with.

"However, if a child is expelled from that school because he was found with drugs, what sort of a future does he or she have?

"You can't just throw them on the scrapheap, the problem needs to be dealt with rather than dismissed."

He added: "We accept that drug use in the district is a problem but what we are doing is very positive.

"All the parties within the partnership are working together and there is much greater co-ordination than in years gone by.

"We meet regularly to discuss different incentives and we are confident of success.

"Parents also need to be educated as well as children because they need to know there are no social barriers with drug use - anyone is vulnerable."

He also hoped the registration of doormen at nightclubs would soon come into force in the area, an initiative he believed would also reduce drug taking.

Anyone with information on drug dealers is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.