Anti-drugs campaigners John and Jan Betts have welcomed the Government's latest proposals to cut re-offenders by half in ten years, providing they do not manipulate the statistics.

The announcements followed the first annual report by Government-appointed drugs czar Keith Hellawell.

In the latest proposals, £217 million will be spent on drugs prevention, education and advice.

Measures expected to be announced include encouraging judges to send offenders to rehabilitation centres for treatment instead of prison.

The Government aims to cut the re-offending rate for drug addicts in half by 2008 - mirroring targets set by Mr Hellawell's counterpart in the USA.

Jan Betts, who with husband Paul have been raising awareness on the dangers of ecstasy since the death of their daughter, Leah, said the proposals had promise.

"I think the basis is there as long as it is genuine and they don't lose focus and they don't manipulate the statistics to get votes.

"Sending people to treatment rather than prison is fine. That is how it should be. There's no doubt the rehabilitation line has to be taken."

She added: "There should be a drugs court set up like in America where the judges and the people presiding in these courts know what's going on in the drugs world."

Mrs Betts confirmed the family, from Latchingdon, near Maldon, were moving to the Spey Valley on the east coast of Scotland next month to continue to spread their anti-drugs message.

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