A harrowing video launched in Ledbury in February by the parents of heroin victim Rachel Whitear, will be used in a national anti-drugs offensive by the Government.

The video contains pictures of 21-year-old Rachel lying dead, following an overdose in her Exmouth flat two years ago.

The move has been welcomed by Dr Eddie Oram, Herefordshire Council's director of education, who said: "The project was initially aimed at 14-16 year olds in high schools across Herefordshire.

"The fact that it's been endorsed by the Department for Education and Skills, and in particular Education Minister Ivan Lewis, is great news and shows once again that Herefordshire is at the forefront of new and innovative projects."

The video was originally launched at a press conference in The Feathers Hotel, in Ledbury, by Rachel's parents, Mick and Pauline Holcroft, who live in Withington.

Narrated by Mr and Mrs Holcroft, Rachel's sister Sarah and her best friend, Polly North, it tells how a promising life and academic career was ruined by drugs, after the student started to date a heroin addict.

On Tuesday, Mr and Mrs Holcroft travelled to London to meet Education Minister, Ivan Lewis and discuss Government anti-drug initiatives.