POLICE sniffer dogs have explored classrooms as Thomas Alleyne's High School takes a hard line against drugs.

No evidence of drugs was uncovered when officers visited the Dove Bank school last month.

But headteacher Suzanne O'Farrell insisted liaison with police was essential to win the fight against substance abuse.

She said: "The police and drug dogs visited us in October and I am pleased to report that nothing was found.

"We plan to continue this close liaison and support from the police and drugs team as a preventative measure to ensure that drugs do not come into school."

Figures released to the Post & Times earlier this year showed police were called out to schools in the town on 120 occasions during the three terms of 2008/09. A total of 39 crimes were reported, including possession of drugs.

Inspector Darren Harding, in charge of Uttoxeter Police, said: "We have great co-operation with all schools."

Former Thomas Alleyne's student Vikki Hudson, aged 25, admitted she used to only turn up for registration before sneaking off to dabble with drugs.

Her friend Lee Bentley, who also studied at Alleyne's, died as a result of his heroin addition at his home in Harvey Place, Uttoxeter, in June, aged 28.

Now Vikki, of Church Street, Uttoxeter, and her partner Anthony Cockeram plan to start an NVQ in substance misuse at Stafford College with the aim of being paid professionals.

And she reckons it is vital for schools to help teach youngsters the dangers of drugs.

She said: "We did receive drug education at school but when I got hooked I didn't understand the full consequences.

"The message needs to be hard-hitting.

"If you get addicted you could wind up losing your home, family and everything you care about or worse still, dead."

Police visited Thomas Alleyne's in the summer to help hammer home the dangers of drugs and the perils of getting hooked on cannabis or cocaine.

Denise Crocker, director of finance and administration at the school, said: "As well as teaching about academic subjects, we also have a massive responsibility to help students develop as people."