AN ambitious project to help combat the scourge of drug addiction has been launched in Bolton.

Urban Wrap hopes to target teenagers in Halliwell and Deane to explore how drugs affect their communities through media, drama, dance, photography and DJ sessions.

The 10-week project has been put together by The Octagon Theatre's young persons' group, Activ8, Bolton Youth Service and Communities Against Drugs.

work has already started on the project with youth workers visiting schools and community centres.

From today, young people will be encouraged to visit weekly workshops held in community venues in the two areas over the next 10 weeks. They will finish the project with a mixed-media performance event and a photographic exhibition, which will be displayed at Halliwell Library from June 14.

Terry Crosby, Communities Against Drugs youth worker, said: "Everyone at CAD is really excited about Urban Wrap. Although at its heart the project tackles quite a serious subject, it's essential that the young people have fun during the project.

"We also hope that the project will stretch the participant's beliefs, both in terms of what they understand about the issue of drugs and also in terms of their belief in themselves and in what they can achieve personally."