NEWQUAY residents determined to clean up the resort's image hope to address more than 20,000 school pupils during a tour warning of the dangers of drinking alcohol in coastal locations.

Geoff Brown and wife Chris will tell secondary students at more than 50 schools in Berkshire about the need for safety when enjoying a coastal holiday in Cornwall.

The tour is the latest measure designed to win the war on anti-social behaviour, following a summer of tragedy in which 16-year-old Paddy Higgins and 18-year- old Andrew Curwell died after falling from cliffs following separate nights out in the town.

In a poignant move, Mr Brown, a Cornwall councillor from Newquay, will begin his tour at The Forest School in Wokingham – where Paddy was a pupil and, until the summer, his father John was a teacher.

Coun Brown said: "We're trying to spread a safety message about the dangers of coastal resorts if people don't take care.

"Research shows we get a lot of young visitors from the Home Counties, a lot of students following the end of the GCSE exams who come down to Newquay.

"We need to tell them about how alcohol and the seaside don't mix.

"We know all about the dangers of the sea, and I am sorry to say that I have seen my fair share of young people who have not heeded the warnings, with some pretty serious consequences.

"I genuinely think that this message will sink in."

The tour is expected to last three months, with the Browns – themselves former coastguards – visiting as many schools as possible by spending two days in Berkshire per week.

Newquay Town Council are footing the £2,800 bill for the tour, which Coun Brown says has been kept low by staying in low-cost accommodation.

Town mayor John Fitter said the financial contribution was a good investment in the future safety of the town.

He said: "We are not saying 'stay away from Newquay', we are saying 'come to Newquay, enjoy yourself, but please be careful'.

"This is a brilliant idea to go to the schools and explain to them how to be safe, how to look out for each other.

"I hope it also sends a message to parents that we are a caring community and we take our responsibilities seriously."

The tour will include presentations and leaflets from the NHS about the dangers of alcohol, and is expected to start at The Forest School in January.

Headteacher Keith Quine said Paddy's death had sent shock waves through the school community, and welcomed Coun Brown's offer to speak to pupils.

Mr Quine said: "If I thought that this was an anti-Newquay message, I wouldn't agree to it. But this is about sending a positive message.

"Paddy's death was a big hit to our community – he was great leader, sportsman and character, and was very popular.

"Hopefully, if Mr Brown comes to our school first, other schools in Berkshire will be encouraged to follow."