A TRAILBLAZING ‘ scratch ‘n’ sniff’ anti-drugs campaign in Keighley is being extended to sports clubs and youth groups.

Special cards will allow parents of young athletes to recognise the smells of cannabis, speed and MCAT and other drugs.

The hope is this will help parents and carers discover if their own children or friends have become involved in taking illegal substances.

The cards were successfully launched earlier this year as part of the multi-agency No Excuses drugs awareness project, aimed at combating the rise in cannabis use across the Keighley area.

Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and social landlord Incommunities came together to devise the campaign, with funding from West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson.

No Excuses bosses announced this week they are asking sports clubs and young people’s organisations to take part in the project.

Clubs and groups working with young people are being offered a resource pack, which includes scratch 'n' sniff cards.

These cards bear patches of specially-developed inks, which mimic the smell of cannabis weed and resin, and also two other drugs – mephedrone, also known as MCAT, and amphetamine, also known as speed.

The scratch and sniff cards will help people, especially parents, to recognise the smells and be aware of when drug activity is taking place.

Bradford Council’s assistant director for neighbourhoods, Ian Day, said: "Raising awareness of issues around drug use, particularly among young people and parents, is very important, so they are fully aware of the dangers connected with cannabis and other substance use.

"We are keen to engage with sports clubs and youth organisations in the towns and villages in the Keighley constituency, such as Ilkley, Addingham, Steeton, Silsden and the Worth Valley.”

The campaign has been welcomed by local politicians, including Keighley Central councillor Khadim Hussain, who praised its “pro-active” role in deterring young people from drug habits.

No Excuses was launched in January at the Airedale Shopping Centre in Keighley, when advisers were available to talk to the public.

The campaign was devised after Bradford Council youth workers witnessed an increase in cannabis use.

It was decided to enlist the help of parents in challenging such behaviour, due to fears cannabis use would affect their children's performance in school and make them vulnerable to other dangers.

Any sports groups or other groups working with young people, who want to take part in the project, should contact Liz Parker by e-mailing liz.parker@bradford.gov.uk or calling Keighley Co-ordinator's Office on 01535 618008.