POLICE in Swale have launched a drawing competition in an attempt to raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.

Drugs Liaison Officer PC Karen Cook, based in Sittingbourne, is asking youngsters to design a mouse mat to effectively communicate the slogan "Why we should say NO to drugs".

The winning designs will be made into mouse mats and distributed around schools and public areas in the Swale area.

PC Cook said: "We have a responsibility to do all we can to prevent youngsters from becoming involved in drugs. Emphasising the dangers of drugs is just one way in which we can do just that."

Halfords of Sittingbourne has donated a bicycle to the winner of the 10-13 year old category and Computers Plus, also in Sittingbourne has donated a computer system to the winner of the 14 -18 year old category.

Designs should be no bigger than A4 and must be your own work. You can include drawings, cartoons, computer graphics, photographs, words or a combination of all these.

Entries should be sent to: Drugs Liaison Officer, Police Station, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4NR, to arrive no later than Tuesday, February 10.