FAKE drugs and needles will be shown to school pupils in Thundersley as part of a project to stop them taking illegal substances.

Boxes containing realistic replicas of popular street drugs, and associated paraphernalia, will be taken into schools as part of talks to warn children of the dangers of drugs.

Richard Keeler, schools worker from Thundersley Congregational Church, will use the props to add a new dimension to his work at King John and The Deanes School.

Pupils will get the chance to look at the different drugs and equipment, while being told of the dangers each presents.

Mr Keeler visits the schools together with associate minister Ian Miles to provide lessons dealing with drugs and lifestyle choices.

As a former drug user, Mr Miles shares his personal experiences with pupils.

Mr Keeler, 25, who went to King John School, said: "It's going to make a massive difference because we've come across a few people who, because there are so many different terms for drugs, don't know exactly what Ian is talking about.

"I remember seeing one when I first started school and it just popped back into my head about how useful it had been."

The police are trained about drugs using similar boxes and they are also used to train health and safety managers.

Ray Hatter, health promotion specialist and member of the drug and alcohol reference group, heard about the Church's progressive work in schools and the community.

He recommended the Castle Point Crime and Reduction Partnership, made up from a series of partners such as the police and councils, provide the drugs boxes, which cost about £550. Mr Hatter said: "Drink and drugs ruin so many young lives.

"South East Essex Primary Care Trust fully supports effective drug education in our schools and we believe this new equipment will allow Richard and Ian to get their messages across even more forcefully."