Crime cash used to warn of drug peril

MONEY seized from criminals is helping Oldham pupils to learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

The Life Education mobile classroom will be able to work with more children in the borough, thanks to a £520 donation from Chief Supt Catherine Hankinson, the head of Oldham police.

It comes from money recovered from criminals by Greater Manchester Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Organisers say it is the first time seized money has been used in this way.

Chief Supt Hankinson said: “It is good to see money gained from the illicit use of drugs used to support a programme designed to help children make healthy choices.”

The mobile classroom visits schools across the North-West.

Mel Farrar, secretary of Life Education centres North-West, said: “There is a beautiful symmetry about using the money from criminals to aid the fight against drug abuse and we hope this national first will be emulated across the country.”