A CAMPAIGN telling youngsters what to do if their friends drink too much alcohol has been adopted by the Welsh emergency services.

The Don't Walk Away campaign was the idea of Runcorn paramedic Steve Evans back in 2002 after he saw rising levels of youngsters aged between 11 and 14 who had been abandoned by their friends after collapsing from drinking or taking drugs - needing help from paramedics.

The scheme uses a range of techniques to make youngsters aware that they should stay with friends who have collapsed from drugs or more commonly binge drinking until emergency help arrives. Radio adverts and posters in both English and welsh are raising awareness of the campaign across the country.

Last month the Welsh Minister for Social Justice, Edwina Hart, launched the all-Wales campaign in Cardiff.

The Welsh drive is a collaboration between the Welsh Ambulance Service, the four Welsh police forces and Trading Standards.

Speaking at the launch she said: "I am pleased that this scheme is being rolled out across Wales after proving successful in other parts of the UK. It is vital that young people stay with friends who have become unconscious due to the effects of alcohol until the emergency services arrive.

"The advice that this scheme provides can save lives."

There are now also a number of other agencies in the UK looking to get involved with the Don't Walk Away campaign including St John Ambulance and Merseyside Police.