DRUG-assisted rape in Furness and South Lakeland has fallen from 70 reports a year to two after a high-profile campaign to raise awareness of the crime.

And the number of victims coming forward to report rapes to the South Cumbria Rape and Abuse Service in Kendal has fallen 50 per cent during the year-long initiative.

But the statistics show that the two rapes, which involved drinks being spiked, both occurred in South Lakeland.

Although the success of the operation was applauded in Kendal on Monday, the campaign will continue for another year.

PC Rita Lees, of the Family Unit at Kendal Police, said of its achievements: "It is absolutely fantastic.

It is a very difficult crime to detect, and that is why it is such an important one to prevent.

"We believe the campaign has had an impact in reducing the number of people who have been victims of this crime.

"We want to make sure the figures do not rise again."

Anita Ogilvie, manager of SCRAS, said while the number of people saying they have been victims had fallen, the practice of spiking continued.

When the problem first came to their attention, the figures suggested that there was a drug-assisted rape in Kendal every month, and one in Furness every week.

She said: "I think the new figures are tremendous.

It is marvellous, but I want to highlight that we have still had calls from

people to say that they have been spiked but that they were looked after by their friends.

I would still say don't forget, watch your drink."

Throughout the campaign, 20,000 beer mats were distributed to local pubs and clubs, and 1,000 posters and labels warned of the dangers, and offered measures people should use for their own protection.

It involved visiting schools and passing on the message to more than 1,000 16-to-18-year-olds, after it was identified that those between the ages of 14 and 16 were defined as an at-risk group.

More than 250 police officers also received training and guidance on the issue, and it is now hoped that an educational video can be distributed.

Licensees were thanked for their help, and local Community Safety Partnerships were thanked for their funding, after they gave the two-year scheme £8,000.

Colin Burrow, Chairman of the Kendal and South Lakeland Licensed Victualler's Association, said more licensees and staff were now aware of the problem.

He said: "We fully support anything that is going to make pubs and clubs safer places for the well-being of customers.

I am sure a lot of staff were not aware this sort of thing took place."