Drugs nicknamed Special K and GBH are increasingly popular with the young but are still relatively unknown among professionals.

Brighton and Hove has the highest level of drug-related deaths of any city in the UK, with heroin accounting for the majority of fatalities.

But national research indicates a trend towards the misuse of prescription drugs such as ketamine - also known as Special K, K or Kit Kat - and GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), also known as GBH or liquid ecstasy.

Mixmag magazine found a third of readers had taken ketamine in the last month, compared to just four per cent last year.

In response to this trend, a training day is being held in Brighton to help professionals find out more about new drugs trends in the area and how they can educate young people about the dangers of drugs.

Drugs education expert Liam Watson will lead the course at The Dudley Hotel in Brighton.

Mr Watson, from the University of the West of England, said: "Even though ecstasy has been around on the club scene for more than 12 years now it remains an incredibly popular drug among young people.

"There is a growing trend, however, towards the recreational use of new chemicals such as ketamine and GHB.

"It is vitally important people taking these drugs know exactly what the consequences could be. Already, ten young people have died after taking GHB along with large amounts of alcohol.

"The course will give anyone who works with young people a chance to find out up-to-date information on drugs young people in the area are using, why young people are using these drugs, and what can be done to educate young people."

Local drugs workers say the biggest problem they are currently facing is not caused by ketamine or GHB but by crack cocaine.

Chris Parfitt of the 37 Degrees Project, which monitors drug use in clubs in Brighton and Hove, said: "One of the things that is difficult is that you get local anomalies. Some things will be more prevalent than others, maybe because of supply or the affluence of users."

Graham Stephens, co-ordinator for the Brighton and Hove Drug Action team, said: "We monitor the situation but what we have been picking up is crack cocaine use. We're seeing more injecting of that going on."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said there were no plans to single out ketamine or GHB for special attention. He said: "It's a fashion thing and fashions are constantly changing."

He confirmed crack cocaine use was the main focus, but would only say: "We do have a problem with that drug in the area and initiatives are afoot."

Anyone interested in attending the seminar called Drugs and Young People 2001, at The Dudley Hotel on Friday should call 029 2076 1396.