PARENTS of students across Taunton have been put on alert of drug dealers "offering enticements to children" on a college campus.

Police have contacted head teachers and principals at educational establshments in the county town.

At least one school head has passed on the warning to parents, children and staff.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "We’ve advised a number of colleges to be aware of people attempting to sell drugs to their students.

“It follows a report of men approaching students on a college campus.

“We always work closely with schools and colleges to ensure student safety and to raise awareness of a wide range of issues."

Anyone with information about suspected criminal or suspicious activity should call police on 101 or report it online by clicking here.

Students at The Castle School have been told to ensure they keep themselves safe.

And head teacher Sarah Watson sent the following message to parents: "The police are informing schools that they are aware of a group of male adults in the area offering enticements to children.

"We are reminding students today about keeping themselves safe on the way to and from school.

"We don't have any further information from the police at this time but thought parents would like to be informed so that they can have similar safety conversations with their children at home."

Mrs Watson told the County Gazette: "We're always vigilant and we always have staff out on duty.

"We tell children what to do in an emergency - to call 999 if they feel threatened or frightened or in danger and to say they are a child in danger.

"We train our staff in the same ways to be vigilant and careful at all times and I'm sure other schools do the same."