YOUNG adults are being urged to get "switched on" and use their computers to learn about the dangers of alcohol misuse.

A new interactive CD-ROM has been launched thanks to a partnership between drama students and York Alcohol Advice Service.

The CD-ROM, launched today, sees pupils from All Saints' School drama group work on the problems of peer pressure with Colin Jackson, drama consultant at City of York Council's education department.

Produced with designMe Multimedia, the CD has also been supported by a range of York businesses including The Portman group, Barclays, Nestl, Safer York Partnership, City of York Council, Healthy School Scheme, York Drug Action Team and the Community Addictions Team.

It is hoped that the CD-ROM will help to warn young people of the problems associated with drinking before legal age and the issues of excessive drinking.

The disk has been developed as part of York Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week, which kicked off today.

The aim of the week is to raise awareness within the City of York about drug and alcohol issues among young people and their parents.

The week is being funded by Safer York Partnership from its Communities against Drugs fund, Selby and York Primary Care Trust, Portman Group, Marks & Spencer and York Cycle Works.

Project leader Anne Coady said: "This is an exciting new venture for York Alcohol Advice Service, it's an up to date way of informing young people about alcohol issues."

The service plans to send a free copy of the CD-ROM to every school in York. Anne, along with the new drug education consultant, Claire Barrowman, will holdtwilight training days with pupils at Westfield Junior School on June 23 and June 26 for teachers who are looking for support in working with the CD-ROM.

Janette Blythe, community manager for Barclays in Yorkshire, which donated cash to the project, said: "At Barclays we are committed to communities and we are delighted to support YAAS. This is a great opportunity for us to help make a real and lasting difference to the local community."

For further information, contact Anne Coady on 01904 652104. The service plans to make the CD-ROM available for sale in the near future.

Updated: 08:36 Monday, May 12, 2003