An anti-drugs drive piloted in Oxford is set to go nationwide at a cost of £5m.

The positive futures scheme aims to use local sports clubs and stars to prevent young people from being drawn into drugs.

Oxford was one of the 24 pilot schemes costing £850,000, of which £500,000 came from profits seized from drug dealers.

The schemes have been so successful that the scheme is being extended.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and Home Secretary Jack Straw joined Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his star striker Andy Cole to launch the latest phase at the Salford Reds Rugby League club.

The Government now plans another 80 schemes along the lines of the Oxford pilot.

Mr Straw, who has a weekend home in Minister Lovell, near Witney, said: "Drug-related crime blights our communities. It destroys families and young lives and fuels a wide range of criminal activity, including burglary and robbery.

"I want this money to make sure that police and local communities have the tools and resources they need to take control of our neighbourhoods and drive out the drug dealers."

Fifty youngsters, aged between ten and 16, are on the positive futures scheme in Oxford. They are referred by schools and social workers.

Partnership manager Nik Earl said: "We provide sporting opportunities for young people who for one reason or another could be led astray.

"The idea is that by getting them involved in sport we give them something that they can become interested in and involved with."

Ms Earl said: "The scheme has gone very well. We are very pleased with the result and we have started to see some changes in the young people we are working with."

Cabinet Office Minister Ian MacCartney, whose own son died of a drugs overdose, said at the national launch that the support of local personalities was vital for the campaign's success.

He said: "Disengaged young people don't listen to politicians but they do listen to sports stars and pop stars."