A new report has revealed a surge in the number of alcohol- related admissions to the region's hospitals.

According to the report by the South West Public Health Observatory, hospital admissions in the South West as a result of alcohol rose more than 50 per cent between 2001 and 2005.

The situation is worst amongst young people.

Between 1998 and 2004, the number of people under 18 admitted to hospital because of alcohol intoxication had increased by 60 per cent, and by 140 per cent in those aged 18 to 24.

Dr Gabriel Scally, regional director of public health at NHS South West, is calling for action on the issue:

"We need to call time on alcohol misuse in the South West. Not only does it affect the health of the person misusing it at a massive cost to the health service, it also has a wider impact - affecting children, families, education, work productivity, crime and disorder."

She added: "This report shows quite clearly that more needs to be done to reduce alcohol harm in the region. Because of the size of the problem and wider range of impacts, no one approach is going to be enough.

"All agencies need to work together, and a mixture of targeted and population-based approaches is needed to tackle this growing problem.”