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A teenager was rushed to hospital after he overdosed on nicotine gum handed out to pupils at school.

Aiden Williams, 14, was kept in overnight on a heart monitor after chewing 45 pieces of Nicorette - the equivalent of smoking 180 fags.

Doctors said the dosage could have killed him, but he probably survived because he smoked and had built up a tolerance to the drug.

Mum Caroline yesterday called for the Nicorette handouts to be banned after hearing smokers as young as 12 can be given up to a week's supply - 105 pieces - by health counsellors at the school without parental consent.

The horrified 36-year-old said: "Doctors told me Aiden could have died. I can't believe this can be given out without parents knowing.

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

Aiden was given the gum by a friend who had been caught smoking at Menzies High School in West Bromwich, West Mids. Staff from Sandwell council's Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice had handed out hundreds of boxes of it. Aiden was taken to Sandwell General Hospital with stomach pains after he collapsed in the playground.

He ingested 90mg of nicotine. Experts say 60mg in one go could be fatal.

His dad John, 37, said: "Aiden smoked one or two cigarettes, which he shouldn't have, but doctors said that saved his life because his body had got used to the nicotine.

"I am not against schools trying to get kids off cigarettes but they should tell parents they are giving them potentially dangerous drugs.

"We were totally left in the dark and we are very angry about it."

Aiden added: "I feel stupid and a bit embarrassed. I took them at break but after a few minutes, I started feeling really light-headed.

"Next thing I knew I was in hospital with a heart monitor on me. It was scary."

Decca chief Margaret Storrie said: "We offer nicotine replacement gum to help young smokers quit.

"This is the first time such an incident has happened and we are disappointed to hear about it.

"Aiden's friend who was given the gum would have been told clearly how often to use it.

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

"We will investigate the incident and will continue to ensure young people know about the dangers of giving the gum to others."

Deputy head Paul Harris added: "We have older teens who have issues with smoking and work directly with Decca.

"This is low-strength nicotine gum and there is nothing stopping youngsters from the age of 12 buying it over the counter."