The parents of ecstasy victim Leah Betts have hit back at claims that their drugs awareness campaign has encouraged youngsters to use heroin.

Paul and Janet Betts, from Latchingdon, have spent more than three years researching and collating information about drugs and giving presentations in schools and colleges around the country.

However, Oxford-based drugs advisor Paul Skillen this week suggested that although their campaign may have dissuaded youngsters from taking ecstasy it may inadvertently have steered them towards using heroin instead.

Mrs Betts condemned the comments, saying: "Mr Skillen should come and see one of our presentations before making such comments. We talk about all drugs, not just ecstasy."

Mr Skillen's comments were echoed by Mr Michael Trace, the deputy Drugs Tzar on Monday but Mr Betts suggested that Drugs Tzar Keith Hellawell and his department had had little impact in tackling the drugs problem.

"We have collated a lot of research and have reached a lot of people to tell them about all aspects of drugs use, the good and the bad sides, so they can make an informed choice as whether or not to take drugs," said Mrs Betts.

"If we can do that without any form of sponsorship, what have all these statutory bodies been doing all these years?

The row broke out just days before the Betts are due to relocate in Scotland where Mr Betts has been offered a role as a drugs education advisor by the Northern Constabulary and Lothian & Borders Constabulary.

Memories of the fateful night in November 1995 when Leah died in her parents' bedroom are another reason the couple are moving north.

"Paul finds it difficult to live here now," said Mrs Betts, "we feel we need a fresh start."

Scotland bound . . . Paul and Janet Betts.

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