The mother of a teenager who died at Kendal Calling has welcomed the event organiser's decision to offer drugs testing services.

Festival-goers this weekend will be able to have substances analysed by independent experts from The Loop.

Individuals who use the free and confidential service will be exempt from any legal action and advised on whether or not the drugs are safe for consumption.

The festival will be just the second in the country to use this technique, after it was piloted by Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire last weekend.

Christian Pay, 18, was rushed to hospital after taking an illegal substance at last year's event but medical staff could not save him.

His mother Debbie Pay, 49, from Millom, was thrilled at the news that confidential testing was being introduced.

She said: "It's better than these kids just taking a risk.

"If it's going to save some lives, even just one, then it's worth it."

A spokesman for Kendal Calling told the News & Star : “We have extensive security measures and controls in place to prevent drugs getting on site including detection dogs, robust searches at all gates and police intelligence.

"However we acknowledge that, despite everything we’re doing to prevent it, illegal substances are likely to be consumed on the festival site.

"The Loop are here to protect our festival goers and help them make informed choices.”

Professor Measham, who co-founded The Loop in 2013, said of the service: "This can help people make informed choices, raising awareness of dangerous substances in circulation and reducing the chance of drug-related problems occurring.

"It’s an important innovation that we know can reduce risks and potentially save lives."

But Debbie stressed that, ultimately, parents must try and convince their children not to dabble with illegal substances in the first place.

She said: "People do really need to educate their kids about the danger of drugs.

"They are mixed with stuff that can kill you.

"I know that some of these kids are going to go out there and try them.

But it's not what they see on the packet because drug dealers are just out to make money."

Three men have appeared in court following Christian's death.

Michael Mountfort, 42, of Oak Drive, Denton, Manchester, was convicted of plotting to supply class A drugs. He had denied the offence.

Two other men, Luke Fraser, 21 of Oakfield Grove, Manchester, and Simon Chapman, 21, of The Green, Millom, each admitted conspiracy to supply a class A drug.

All three are awaiting sentencing.