A survey by the North West Public Health Observatory showed illnesses caused by alcohol rose rapidly during the last five years.

The study also showed northerners were the hardest drinkers but the most alcohol-related crimes were committed in London.

Professor Mark Bellis, the observatory’s director, said: “The price we pay for turning a blind eye to the real extent of alcohol abuse across England is reflected in the new Local Alcohol Profiles for England and it is a price that is paid especially by the poorest communities.

“The English death toll from alcohol now exceeds fifteen and a half thousand people every year.

“It is time to recognise that we are not a population of responsible drinkers with just a handful of irresponsible individuals ruining it for others.

“Over one in four drinkers exceed weekly limits according to national surveys and alcohol sales figures suggest the number is much higher.

via The Press Association: One in four ‘drinking too much’.