THE chilling last picture of Rachel Whitear, clutching a syringe, has become one of the defining anti-drug statements of our times.

While the Holcrofts knew the picture would shock people, they also hoped it would educate and discourage people about the horrors of drug abuse.

The image - which was published first in the Hereford Times on January 28, 2002 - features in Rachel's Story, an educational video that has been seen by thousands. It has been shown everywhere from primary schools to colleges, in rehabilitation centres and units for offenders.

Told by a handful of people, including Rachel's mother and friends, it details the story of how a clever, bright young girl from Withington descended into drug hell.

Through its course you can see the sparkle in her eyes fade, and the pain and suffering her addiction causes to her friends and loved ones.

And it's the gnawing sense of dread, coupled with that final image, that hopefully has prevented many from considering dabbling in drugs. Whether soft or hard drugs, recreational or otherwise, the Holcrofts, and the local education authority, are still keen to hammer home its message.

But its success could not have been possible without the media's help, and Mrs Holcroft was keen to thank the Hereford Times and other publications for their interest last week. Speaking after the inquest, she insisted the video was meant to educate and not to highlight their quest for answers.

"We strongly believe that the way to deal with drugs is through structured information at an early age," said Mrs Holcroft at the press conference.

"The media coverage of our plight was never done for effect - it was born out of our determination to use Rachel's death as an example of how substance experimentation can go horribly wrong.

"Making the film became a cathartic experience. The positive exposure to the public by the media has only served to enhance our campaign to get justice for Rachel when the system failed us."