TIPPLE-happy Preston folk just don't know their limits, according to a new survey by alcohol watchdogs.

The town is being targeted in a new safe drinking campaign in the wake of shocking figures, which indicate that just one in ten drinkers is aware of the recommended alcohol intake.

Drinks industry regulator, the Portman Group, revealed that only ten per cent of Preston party-goers knew how much they could drink without suffering long-term damage to their health. Fewer than six out of ten local punters didn't know how the alcohol unit system worked and had problems deciding how many units there is to a pint of lager.

The Portman Group also blasted local drinkers as hypocritical, saying they were more than happy to indulge in drinking binges, while they slammed underage boozers.

Spokesman for the London-based group, Andrew Chevis, said: "The figures are quite startling, and are causing great concern.

"There has been a lot of promotion over the past few years of the units system, but is obviously being ignored by many people.

"We also need to break away from this weekly quota of units. The majority of people think it is fine to go on binges at the weekend, but it can have long-term effects. Underage drinking is a totally separate problem, but adults are telling youngsters not to drink, then going out and getting drunk."

In a bid to make Preston drinkers more aware of healthy drinking, leaflets are to be placed in doctors' surgeries across the area. It advises people to drink the 'safe' 21 units a week (14 for women) over several days, rather than all at once.

Linda Crossley, spokeswoman for the Lancashire and Greater Manchester Council for Alcohol, said: "Underage drinking is a massive problem and adults need to set the correct image for youngsters."

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