THE number of youngsters prosecuted for being drunk and disorderly in Dorset has more than doubled in six years, shocking new statistics have shown.

In total 520 under-age tipplers were arrested across the county during 2003 - more than double the 1997 figure of 247.

The figures, released ahead of new laws permitting round-the-clock pub opening, have prompted warnings of a further deterioration in behaviour on Britain's streets.

Charity Alcohol Concern blamed a lack of policing nationally for the problem. A spokesman said: "It is simply too easy for kids to buy alcohol. Even a modest increase in police patrols around off-licences can reduce sales to under-18s by 35 to 40 per cent. But police do not have the manpower to enforce the laws."

Earlier this month the Daily Echo revealed how alcohol-related deaths had soared thanks to Britain's binge-drinking culture with health specialists warning youngsters they are drinking themselves to death.

The number of people dying from alcohol related diseases has spiralled out of control with a staggering 20 per cent increase in just five years.

Under-age drinking and alcohol abuse have plagued Bournemouth town centre during recent years with the resort paying a high price for its reputation as the clubbing capital of the South.

Police and trading standards officers have joined forces to tackle the under-age drinking problem, clamping down on law-breaking licensees.

More police officers have been drafted into the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights with marshals employed to monitor the most troublesome Horseshoe Common taxi rank.

Police chief Inspector Neil MacBean has invited parents to visit the resort at weekends to witness, at first-hand, the devastating effects of under-age drinking and alcohol abuse.

Bournemouth Trading Standards manager Paul Walker appealed to parents to take more responsibility for their offspring as new research revealed how youngsters can still easily get their hands on cigarettes, drugs and alcohol.

First published: August 22