Region 'has heaviest drinkers'

Deaths from liver disease increased by 90% in men in seven years

The South East has a higher proportion of heavy drinkers than any other region in the UK, according to a new study.

The report by the regional director of public health says 190,000 men and 95,000 women drink twice the recommended units of alcohol each week.

Alcohol related harm or illness costs the NHS in the South East about £300m a year.

The study also finds deaths from liver disease increased by 90% in men and 49% in women between 1993 and 2000.

This report reveals some worrying trends in alcohol consumption and abuse across this region Dr Mike Gill, Regional Director of Public Health

Drink driving leads to about 2,700 injuries each year in the region, the report's authors say.

However, the South East also has the highest proportion of its residents reporting good health, despite having a particularly large percentage of people aged 75 or over.

Dr Mike Gill, the Regional Director of Public Health for the South East, said action was needed.

"This report reveals some worrying trends in alcohol consumption and abuse across this region," he said.

Life expectancy

"The South East has the highest proportion of heavy drinkers, liver disease has almost doubled and over 60 people each week are injured in alcohol related traffic accidents."

The health of people in the poorest areas of the South East is among the worst in the UK, he said, with Hastings, Brighton and Hove in the lowest 20% for life expectancy.

Thanet and Hastings have the highest proportion of residents who say they are not in good health.

Dr Gill said: "It shows us the general picture is good - with the highest proportion of people in good health anywhere in the UK and the lowest number in bad health.

"But there are still pockets of deprivation and ill health across the region which we cannot ignore."