WIRRAL has the highest rate of teenagers who drink more than twice a week in the North West, according to a new report.

Trading Standards services in each borough carried out a survey of 13,000 young people, aged 14 to 17.

In Wirral, 25% of youngsters asked admitted drinking more than twice a week, compared to 10% in Liverpool, 23% in St Helens, 16% in Knowsley and 20% in Sefton.

However, Wirral’s figure for those who regularly binge drink stands at 19% of those surveyed, joint lowest in the region with Liverpool.

Halton’s rate was the highest at 35%.

Sefton has one of the highest rates of youngsters drinking in clubs and bars, at 36%, while 38% of Cheshire youngsters admitted to drinking outside.

Across the North West, the number of teenagers drinking alcohol at least once a week has dropped from 50% in 2005 to 38% in 2009.

Fewer youngsters are buying alcohol from off-licences as well, according to the survey.

It is a repeat of similar studies carried out in 2005 and 2007.

Responses also show Magners and Strongbow Cider have increased significantly in popularity among teenagers – but Smirnoff Ice and WKD remain their favourite drinks.

Marie Armitage, director of public health for NHS Wirral, said: “Although it’s good to see a reduction in under-age sales, the amount of alcohol consumed by some teenagers is of great concern.

“Not only does it pose a significant threat to their health, it puts them at greater risk of violence and unplanned pregnancy.”