A growing number of children in the region are becoming addicted to so-called legal highs, it is feared.

Public health bosses say they are growing increasingly concerned about young people turning to new "psychoactive" drugs which give similar sensations to cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines.

While known as legal highs, a majority of these substances are actually illegal, covered by a new law introduced in 2016.

Eastern Daily Press:

But youngsters are continuing to find them easy to come by and can become addicted.

The increased concern has sparked health bosses to look at adapting services to respond to the growing demand.

Stuart Lines, Norfolk's director of public health, said: "While the overall number of young people in Norfolk addicted to drugs or alcohol is very low, we know there is a growing need for support for recreational drug use and legal highs.

"We want children and young people to have every opportunity to flourish and are committed to diverting them away from drug use while also ensuring those who need support have it.

"We also want to further enhance the support available for children and young people who are affected by other people's drug use, because we know this can have a significant impact on their wellbeing."

Eastern Daily Press: Stuart Lines, Norfolk's director of public healthStuart Lines, Norfolk's director of public health (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Currently, Norfolk County Council's youth drug and alcohol support is run by the Matthew Project.

Its contract for this service runs out in April 2024 and bosses at County Hall have set aside up to £4m to commission services beyond this date.

And they say any provider of the new service will be required to help educate children about these substances, provide interventions and "understand new psychoactive substances".

A County Hall spokesman added: "There has been a growing number of children and young people affected by another's use of drugs and alcohol referred for support over recent years."