Cash is available for community groups wanting to tackle drug problems in the Lewes area.

Organisations can now apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to fund small community-led initiatives.

The Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership of Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and other key agencies has announced it is to get a further £75,000 from the Government to help in the fight against drugs.

This will be used to finance both existing and future projects but some funds are being made available for smaller ventures.

Partnership projects already under way include initiatives to help the police tackle drug dealers; provision of a youth worker to talk to young people on the streets about substance misuse; providing information to young people about the health risks of using drugs; providing anti-substance misuse discos for young people and setting up a cinema in Seaford to give them alternative evening activities to enjoy.

New projects planned include the provision of outreach services in Peacehaven, Newhaven and Seaford.

Elizabeth Lee, council Cabinet member responsible for community issues, said the focus was on trying to persuade young people they did not need drink and take drugs to have a good time.

She said: "In Peacehaven and Newhaven we will work with local voluntary organisation The House Project to target hard-to-reach youngsters such as those that don't go to youth clubs or other formal membership clubs.

"The project will focus on explaining the harmful effects of drugs and how best to tackle substance misuse, including finding other ways of enjoying their free time.

"In Seaford, one of the projects planned involves getting together other older teenagers to warn younger teenagers about the harmful effect of drugs on their health and lifestyle."

Any community organisation wishing to apply for a grant should contact Ian Kedge, Head of Environmental Health at Lewes District Council, on 01273 484354 or email ian.kedge@lewes.gov.uk