Harm caused by recreational Drugs will be the focus in the Bradford district during national Drugs Prevention Week, which begins tomorrow.

Cannabis, cocaine, ketamine and synthetic drugs such as M-Catt will be highlighted.

Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police are among organisations raising awareness of drug-related issues and the work done to tackle them.

While drug use by young people is down, a fifth of 11-15 year-olds have admitted taking drugs at least once in their lives.

Drugs Prevention Week will start with students abseiling down the Culture Fusion building in Thornton Road, Bradford, to show other young people there are exciting and healthy alternatives to taking drugs.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, will be supporting the campaign and attending the launch, which will also feature students producing marketing materials, and exercise and fitness classes.

Assemblies and workshops by drug education workers will show school pupils the harm caused by drugs.

Workers at Bradford Council's Young People's Drugs and Alcohol Service will answer questions from pupils at drop-in sessions at Culture Fusion during the week.

West Yorkshire Police will undertake enforcement activities to disrupt criminals involved in supplying drugs.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams plan to execute arrest warrants and Roads Policing Officers will step up operations against drug drivers.

Police will also run awareness events and hand out flyers encouraging local people to report drug dealing, and offficers will visit schools.

Coun Smith said: “This launch event shows young people that you don't have to take drugs in order to have a good time. There are plenty of positive and healthy alternatives.

“I urge young people to make the most of their lives and steer clear of harmful substances. Sadly as we see too often once hooked, kicking the habit is extremely difficult and lives and families are ruined.” Councillor Imran Hussain, deputy leader of Bradford Council said: “Drugs are a UK-wide problem and the issues are no worse in Bradford than any other major city. We are taking a proactive approach to this important issue.

“By working with our partners we can develop better solutions.

“Education, prevention, enforcement and treatment are the main features of our drugs harm reduction strategy.

“Drugs Prevention Week gives local agencies the opportunity to raise awareness of drug problems and highlight the hard work that goes on all year round to tackle the issue. Keeping our neighbourhoods safe continues to be an important priority for Council, the Police and our partners, however we also need help from residents.

“We urge anyone who witnesses drug dealing or use to report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”