A “holistic” approach needs to be taken to tackle the problem of underage boozing in Bradford.

That’s the view of the city’s Bridge Project alcohol charity, as figures show Yorkshire’s youngsters drink the equivalent of seven pints of lager a week.

Joan Dickinson, team manager at the Bridge Project, said: “We do have a young person’s service, which deals with people aged 18 and under with drug and alcohol problems and issues.

“We work with young people, see what problems are causing it and a care plan is worked out; they are working alongside us. We try to work with the young person, their families and schools. We offer a holistic service.”

She said the cause of alcohol abuse among youngsters could not be attributed to a single factor, but reasons for it include peer pressure, easy access to alcohol and family surroundings.

“We don’t have a vast number of young people with a specific alcohol issue; it’s usually a combination,” she said. “One of the biggest factors at the moment is around cannabis.”

Figures released by the NHS Information Centre showed Yorkshire’s youngsters, aged 11 to 15, drink on average 16.3 units of alcohol a week – the second highest amount in the country.

Councillor Michael Kelly, Bradford Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said: “I do find it sad when I read stories such as this. Alcohol consumption by such young children who are still growing and developing carries all sorts of potential risks and we should do all we can as a society to ensure youngsters are made properly aware of these risks at a very early age.”

* People under 18 can call the Bridge Project confidentially on (01274) 745636.