A 14-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after an overdose of nicotine gum.

Aiden Williams is believed to have eaten up to 45 sticks of the gum before he collapsed at the school in the West Midlands.

The teenager had been passed the gum by a friend, given to him by Sandwell Council's Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice (Decca).

Decca had been called in by the school, who were concerned about the pupil's smoking habit.

Aiden was admitted to Sandwell General Hospital and had to be kept in overnight before being discharged.

I couldn’t believe that this gum can be give out like this without parents knowing. It is then being passed around the playground. The doctors said that he could have died...

Caroline, Aiden's mother, was shocked that pupils could be given nicotine gum without their parents knowing.

"I know what my son did was stupid, but if anything it proves that these kids can't be given responsibility for taking medication that could do serious harm." She said.

Margaret Storrie, Decca's service manager, said: "Aiden overdosing on gum like this is the first time such an incident has happened and we are disappointed to hear about it."

She added "We always make sure clients understand not to give out their gum to anyone else."

12-year-olds are able to buy nicotine gum over the counter and advisers are allowed to give pupils a week's worth, 105 pieces, without having to inform their parents.

Skynews