A SCHOOL governor has moved to reassure parents that measures are in place to protect children from organised crime.

Parents have received a joint letter from headteachers at Oswestry area schools warning of some youngsters being at risk of being groomed by into criminal activities, including drug-taking, by groups operating in the area.

Arthur Walpole, chair of governors at the Marches School, said: "Obviously, you can see that it's something that the schools are aware of and very concerned about."

But he added that the school has pastoral care systems were in place to look after children and get other agencies involved to help if necessary.

In the letter, the headteachers that they are aware of children being offered drugs on the way from school as a first step in the grooming process for so-called 'County Lines' crimes, including taking drugs and money across the 'deal line'.

County Lines is a term to describe gangs and organised crime networks that export illegal drugs into an area.

Intimidation and violence are sometimes used to force young people into such activities, according to the letter.

"Here in our schools, we know what is going on and we are working closely with the police and the council to keep our young people safe," the letter said.

"We are working hard to ensure that our schools are safe, drug-free environments for our students, with age-appropriate education programmes to give students the skills to make good choices and to keep themselves safe."

The letter added that the schools took a "very hard line on anyone breaking that ethos", while supporting vulnerable students.

"We are mindful that this is a shocking subject to raise with our families, however we believe we have a duty to inform you to allow you to discuss the dangers with your child to help keep them safe," the letter told parents.