A DANGEROUS substance sold legally online as 'plant food' is being used by teenagers across Barnsley as a party drug, police chief Andy Brooke has warned.

The force has received reports of some youngsters becoming aggressive and experiencing cravings for the substance Mephedrone which is derived from fertiliser.

Drugs services say they have helped 17 youngsters, aged between 14-18, who have used the substance since it burst on the scene three months ago. One drug-fuelled reveller was admitted to Barnsley Hospital on Monday after a weekend binge taking mephedrone, among other substances. He was discharged after observations.

A hospital spokesman said it was the first time consultants had come across Mephedrone - street name 'M-Cat' or 'meow'.

Full story in this week's Town, Darton and Royston editions.