UNDERAGE drinkers in Lincoln are more likely to end up being admitted to hospital after binge-drinking than anywhere else in the East Midlands.

The statistic was revealed in research published by the North West Public Health Observatory, which was compiled using NHS and police data.

The research demonstrates that while improvements are being made in some areas of alcohol abuse in Lincoln – such as alcohol-fuelled sexual assault – young people in the city have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

So much so that they are more likely to end up being admitted to hospital after drinking too much than youngsters living in any of the 40 local authorities in the East Midlands.

Chris Avis, alcohol harm reduction co-ordinator at Lincolnshire County Council, said that work was being concentrated on reducing levels of binge drinking among young people in the city.

He said: "We are continuing to make sure businesses sell alcohol responsibly and we are determined to reduce the harms associated with binge drinking. We have rolled out an education package to schools and youth workers."

NHS Lincolnshire invested heavily in launching improved alcohol treatment services for adults in 2008 provided by the Drug And Alcohol Action Team. An investment of £1.5 million was directed at the service during the 2008/09 financial year followed by £1.9 million in 2009/10. NHS Lincolnshire was unavailable for comment.

Mr Avis, who works alongside the service, said: "We are committed to supporting adults with problems arising from alcohol consumption and more people can now access alcohol treatment in Lincolnshire than ever before."

Operations manager at Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) Mick Lake said he believes it is becoming increasingly difficult for underage drinkers to be served in the city's pubs and clubs.

He said: "Lincoln BIG works hard, through schemes like Pubwatch and the Best Bar None Awards, to ensure standards in licensed premises are set at a very high standard.

"The statistics do not enlighten us as to where the individuals have been drinking, but we suspect they have been supplied with alcohol purchased by an older person at an off-licence or supermarket."