'Prom night' warning to drinkers

Police said they would issue penalties to anyone caught buying alcohol

School leavers celebrating the end of exams in Hampshire and the Thames Valley have been warned by police about the dangers of underage drinking.

Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Police and NHS South Central have urged them to "stay safe and stay sober".

They said they wanted parents and teachers to educate youngsters as "prom nights" approached across the region.

"Prom night is renowned for underage drinking," a Thames Valley Police spokesman said.

"Young people need to remember that 18 is the legal age to purchase alcohol.

"We are not saying 'don't have a great time on your prom night'.

"We are just saying 'don't drink alcohol and ruin your evening'.

Every day in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, about three people under 18 are admitted to hospital as a direct result of alcohol, police said.

A South Central Strategic Health Authority spokesman added: "After a night of excessive drinking you are more likely to be involved in an accident, violence or become a victim of crime, including serious sexual assault."

Police said they would issue 16 and 17-year-olds with penalty notices for offences of buying or attempting to buy alcohol. These impose a penalty of £80.