DROP-in sessions to tackle alcohol problems are to be launched in Selby area schools, the Evening Press can reveal today.

The pilot project will be launched at Tadcaster Grammar School on Monday, June 10, in a bid to stem the escalating problem of under-age binge drinking.

Pupils will be offered advice and support during Monday lunchtime breaks by staff from Selby District Alcohol Service.

The move comes after two "sozzled" youngsters were discovered unconscious. One of them was a 13-year-old girl who was found lying on a park bench in Selby after drinking a bottle of vodka.

The school drop-in sessions are being backed by police and Selby's Drug and Alcohol Reference Group (DARG).

District councillor Steve Shaw-Wright, chairman of DARG, said today: "We had a conference in Tadcaster where a local GP told us of severe problems with alcohol abuse, starting at a very young age.

"This is an attempt to educate youngsters about safe and sensible drinking and to warn them of the dangers. The drop-in sessions will give pupils an opportunity to discuss concerns not only about themselves but also family and friends.

"If the Tadcaster pilot is a success, we have plans to roll it out across the district."

Community education and campus manager at Tadcaster Grammar, Amanda Goodchild, said today the service would be totally confidential.

She said: "Youngsters feel isolated at present, and one pupil concerned about her father's drinking has already made an appointment for a chat."

Selby alcohol adviser Derek Forman said: "This project will support the work the school is already doing on drugs and alcohol awareness as part of the curriculum - and we would be very keen to support other schools."

The initiative was backed by Selby district licensing officer PC John Stephenson.

He said: "Binge drinking is a bigger problem for youngsters than drugs. We have to be realistic and look towards harm reduction, which can only be achieved by making young people aware of the dangers."

Updated: 14:18 Thursday, May 30, 2002