I WAS shocked and saddened to read on the front page of the Evening Post Friday February 3 about the inquest into the death of 16 year old sixth form student Joe Simons. This year at least one million teenagers will use drugs. Nearly half of Britain's schoolchildren admit having taken an illegal drug, according to Home Office statistics. For some teenagers drug taking is seen as recreational behaviour. As the cost of drugs has fallen children are being exposed at a frighteningly early age. I just hope Joe's death will not be in vain and young people across the West Country will get the message loud and clear. Drugs are a deadly menace.

D F Courtney

Weston-super-Mare