LARGS Police have issued advice to parents over concerns after children were a group of local teenagers were approached in a bid to recruit them to drug dealing gangs.

Inspector Colin Convery says his officers have been made aware of the incident - and urged any child approached to immediately tell a parent.

We reported last week how an out-of-town gang had been selling drugs and attempting to recruit young people to punt substances at the Mackerston area near the skate park.

One mum said children as young as 10 were being offered new trainers to try and turn their heads.

The mother, who spoke to the News, said: " "My son and his friends were in the back of my car and I heard them mention drugs.

"They told me this happened just over two weeks ago. My son and his friend were coming back from the toilet block area up the hill from the skate park area, and two older boys started walking towards them from the shelter, trying to get their attention.

"My son had already seen the boys and didn't like the look of them and tried to avoid them but they came over.

"They were offered drugs, told they could have some for free, and were asked if they came from a rich family. They said by selling drugs the boys could get some trainers. The told them they weren't interested, and told them that in no uncertain terms.

"One of my son's friends also told me that he was approached when walking near the skatepark.

"They came over and showed him a bag and asked, 'do you want some of this?' They were told it was drugs.

"There is a growing awareness and hopefully now the paper has highlighted these incident, these people won't come back.

"The police were contacted at the time and they told me they would keep an eye out."

Inspector Convery said: "This is a location where our team regularly patrol and visit as it is a good opportunity for officers to engage young people in an informal manner.

"The officers always keep an open mind when dealing with any scenario and if they had any concerns about individuals, or received information about any individual, they would consider and take appropriate action.

"The North Coast localities team have been briefed about the problem highlighted.

"Any young person who is ever approached regarding taking/buying drugs is discouraged from doing so. I would ask that they immediately decline and inform a trusted adult.

"I would always encourage the young person/adult to contact Police Scotland to report the matter or alternatively to phone Crimestoppers.

"We absolutely rely on the community to identify problems to us in order that we can take proactive steps to tackle them at the earliest opportunity and I thank them for this feedback."