Text warning on neknomination drink craze as Star readers reveal concern

Thomas Adams School in Wem has reacted to the trend, which involves someone drinking a pint of alcohol in one go on film, then nominating a friend to do the same. The challenge has become a hit on social networking sites, but it has been linked to at least two deaths.

The text to parents said: "We are aware of Facebook neknominations. People down a pint of alcohol in extreme ways.

"It has become a trend. Some students have been challenged. Keep an eye out."

Liz Dakin, Thomas Adams School headteacher, said: "There have been no incidents in school, but we wanted to make parents aware of the latest craze. It's something we do quite regularly."

One man, Andrew Thomas, was filmed in Shrewsbury's Pride Hill in nothing more than pants and a rugby helmet before downing a pint.

He claimed it was a harmless prank, but elsewhere it has escalated to the extent that 19-year-old Jonny Byrne from Northern Ireland, died after drowning in a river stunt.

Today Shropshire Star readers reveal their concern, with 57 per cent of those polled saying they are against the craze.

The debate about neknomination has also continued on the Shropshire Star's online site.

Some visitors to www .shropshirestar.com and our Facebook and Twitter pages hailed the actions of Mr Thomas, from Welshpool, as "tremendous".

But others claimed it was "stupid" and warned the craze is getting out of hand.

Mark Ciccone-Hassell said on Facebook: "Nothing wrong with the safe dares I say. I wish I had been in Shrewsbury that day."

Hayley Fallows added: "Fair play, he has some guts to do that. As for the necking a drink issue, this isn't the first game where you neck a drink in one and it won't be the last."

Roger Brown added: "Let people enjoy the moment. OK it might not be good for you but just think how much more dull life would be, if we all lived to the rules religiously. Our freedom is going because all this political correctness. Lets have some more sensible silliness and blow off steam. Enjoy."

But not everyone was so happy with the stunt.

Helen Hinton said: "It's pointless and stupid. If I got nominated I would say get lost, but there are too many others who will think if they don't do it they will lose 'cred' with their so-called friends. Then it stops being harmless fun and becomes something else.

"This is reminiscent of happy slapping which probably started off as something much dafter and progressed to young people punching strangers for a dare."