Funds are being sought to employ the first specialist drug and alcohol worker in rural Craven.

The decision was being announced today at a conference attended by organisations involved in the battle against drug and alcohol abuse.

The decision comes as North Yorkshire Police steps up its fight against drug pushers.

Over the last month, eight people have been arrested in Skipton in connection with drug offences.

Almost £2,800 of class A drug - heroin - has been seized along with £67,400 worth of property - including cash and vehicles - believed to be connected with the offences.

Craven also has a needle exchange service and in the last quarter between 13,000 and 15,000 exchanges had taken place.

Skipton-based Craven Drug & Alcohol Reference Group was holding its conference today at Falcon Manor Hotel in Settle when the new drug worker's position was being announced.

Jane Taylor, Craven Drug & Alcohol Reference Group chairman, said the post would run for three years. The person would be responsible for supervising and training youth workers who had direct contact with youngsters.

She said youth workers built up contact and trust with young people and it was felt it was more appropriate to deal with issues of drugs and alcohol by that method.

Consideration was being given to establishing education and re-training facilities.

PC Wayne Smith, North Yorkshire police community safety officer at Skipton was using the conference to announce the police's under-age drinking campaign.