BEHIND this prickly panto costume is a serious message warning York students about the risks of drink spiking.

York St John's Students' Union have kicked-off the new term with a hard hitting campus campaign devised by Kathryn Ward, the college's vice-president.

Kathryn has enlisted the help of Colin The Cactus - a giant cactus costume from York Theatre Royal worn by student councillor Georgie MacKenzie - to get the message across to students that drink spiking is dangerous and can happen anywhere.

"It's a sad scenario when we have to go to such dramatic measures to educate our students, but it is a real problem all over the country," said Kathryn.

The duo and a team of helpers will be handing out colourful straws and drink hangers - colourful fliers on the side of drinks bullet-pointing the main dangers of spiking.

The steps to follow if you think your drink has been spiked are:

* Find someone you trust

* Let them know you are feeling ill

* If you can't find a friend make a scene

* Don't leave alone in case you pass out.

Alcohol is still the most common substance used to spike drinks, but spiking with drugs is on the increase. Howard Smart-Webb, North Yorkshire Police community officer for Guildhall ward, said drink-spiking is following national trends in York by becoming an increasing problem.

In June, the Evening Press reported a police alert to date-rape dangers after at least six women reported having their drinks spiked while on nights out in Selby town centre.

The police identified the drug Rohypnol as a danger for revellers in the town centre, and also referred to the recreational drug Ecstasy, which has also been used to spike drinks.

Anyone who thinks they have had their drink spiked should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, October 16, 2004