WORCESTERSHIRE Substance Misuse Action Team is to address the issue of the misuse of alcohol among teenagers in the Vale of Evesham

The Journal reported last week how 33 per cent of 14-year-olds and 50 per cent of 15-year-olds drink every week.

SMAT officers felt these figures reflect statistics found in a young person's survey conducted in Worcestershire and have plans to address the issue.

Amna Ali from Worcestershire's SMAT said: "While residents may be taken aback by some of the findings, they are nothing new to us.

"Youngsters think it's cool to drink and it's seen as acceptable by some peer groups which makes it harder to promote messages to drink safely while avoiding risky behaviour.

"We've a lot of initiatives lined up addressing a number of issues that have been raised by both this survey and our own. And there are plenty of other plans in the pipeline."

A DVD will be sent to all Worcestershire schools in September. This DVD is an educational package and has been produced in conjunction with youngsters who have helped write the script and have acted in the film.

A workbook has been written by a professional educationalist that can be used by teachers and youth workers.

Last Friday, Worcestershire's Safer Drinking campaign was launched, as featured in the Evesham Journal. Thought provoking posters will be displayed in pubs and clubs and other venues across Worcestershire.

The theme of the campaign is centred around an image and asks drinkers to question whether their alcohol consumption is 'turning them into an animal'.

SMAT have been raising awareness of alcohol related issues by distributing cards to people, giving information and advice about alcohol misuse.