THE problem of misuse of drugs and alcohol by children in Winchester is set to be tackled directly for the first time.

Dave Curl will start work next month as the city's first "substance misuse worker" for the under-18s.

His appointment reflects growing concern about problems among teenagers including binge-drinking by boys and girls.

Mr Curl, 31, who has previously worked with the homeless for the Society of St James in Southampton will work officially by the end of September.

He said: "We feel there is a real need for this kind of post. There has never been one in Winchester before."

The key target groups of youngsters who are particularly vulnerable include the homeless, the children of parents who abuse alcohol or drugs, young offenders and children excluded from school.

Mr Curl, a trained counsellor, will give support and guidance to youngsters to try to steer them away from the descent into drugs which usually leads to crime and jail.

He said: "I will go out and meet them one to one, in schools, youth clubs, wherever they are. It will be a challenge and an exciting one to be developing something new. I hope to make a difference."

Asked why young people should put their trust in him, Mr Curl said: "It's about someone who is able to listen, to try to understand where they are coming from. I will give straight-talking but also listen.

"I hope my counselling skills can come into play, being able to find out why a young person is misusing and being able to say there are other choices.

"I have seen people change, people trapped in the homeless system. I have seen them change with the right kind of support."

He will work from the YMCA base in Swan Lane, his two-year post funded by the Hampshire Drugs Action Team and Mid Hampshire Primary Care Trust.

A spokesman for Winchester police said: "We welcome any move that aims to help educate young people about the dangers of drugs. In Winchesterwe do have a problem with illegal substance misuse, but it's no worse than anywhere else in the county and we are working hard to combat the supply of drugs in the city.

"We haven't seen an increase in the number of young people arrested in connection with drugs offences but we hope this appointment will help more young people steer clear of illegal substances."