ILLEGAL drug use among young people in Wiltshire is falling, according to statistics released by NHS Wiltshire this week.

The health trust, formerly Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, said a survey compiled by independent organisation SHEU showed illegal drug use was in decline with use in the last year or month down by 50 per cent.

The survey goes on to show how 96 per cent of secondary school pupils had not used an illegal substance during the last month.

Rates of smoking and drinking among primary and secondary pupils has also been falling since 2002, with smoking rates similar to those recorded in other counties, although the survey found Wiltshire pupils are more likely to say they have never smoked.

In other areas, Wiltshire pupils are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables compared to those in other counties.

The survey involved 2,387 pupils from 24 primary schools and seven secondary schools with figures compared to surveys carried out in 2002 and 2006.

It was funded by NHS Wiltshire and Wiltshire County Council and co ordinated by the county council’s Personal Development Education Team.

Maggie Rae, joint director of public health, said: “Despite stories about binge drinking and drug use, we recognise that the vast majority of young people in Wiltshire make sensible and healthy decisions.

“We hope that parents are reassured and encouraged by what young people in Wiltshire tell us in this recent survey.”

Data from the survey will be used by teachers to raise awareness of young people’s behaviour and counter the negative stereotypes.