OVER 200 primary school children in South Pembrokeshire have been given a drug awareness presentation, thanks to the initiative of the Rotary Club of Tenby and Western Power Distribution.

The theatrical presentation, by Goodwick-based Theatr Fforwm Cymru, first came to the attention of Rotarians at last years district conference.

There, the theatre companys Gill Douset sparked off much discussion with a presentation on the work her organisation does to educate primary school children on the dangers of drugs and other temptations of modern life.

After the conference, Gill was invited to give members of the Rotary Club of Tenby and invited local primary school heads an after-dinner talk on the success of her approach to the problem of drug education for young children.

Said the clubs president-elect, Chris Sierwald: Everyone present was impressed, and as part of its ongoing support for the local community, the Rotary Club decided to seek financial support for a series of drug awareness presentations aimed at all Year 5 and 6 pupils in our local primary schools.

Western Power Distribution responded immediately to sponsor the initiative, and as a result, last week saw presentations to pupils from Tenby Junior, St Oswalds, St Florence, Sageston, Manorbier, Penally and St Teilos Schools.

Other Rotary clubs in Pembrokeshire have also been sponsored by various companies to provide similar presentations.

Added Chris: The county seems to be leading the way in the fight for our childrens future, but of course, it is an ongoing requirement which needs funding every year.

We in Tenby are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support, but as drug education is now a curriculum subject, we can only hope that future annual funding will be forthcoming from central education coffers.

Local AM Christine Gwyther who attended the presentation at Tenby Junior School said: If we are to expect our children to cope with peer and other pressures, they have to be equipped with knowledge, not just of the dangers of drug dependency, but in handling their own emotional response to situations at school or at home, which can lead to negative behaviour.

If I learned one thing it is that drug dependency doesnt just happen and that children and young people who get into trouble deserve help not condemnation. For the adults who attended, it was certainly a challenging and thought provoking event.