MORE than 90 per cent of schoolchildren in Bury have tried alcohol, according to a shock new survey. And some 42 per cent of those questioned said they knock back the booze on a regular basis. The detailed study was carried out at 12 high schools and several youth projects in the borough.

Around half of the respondents said they had their first taste of alcohol at home, with most youngsters up to the age of 14 trying alcohol on special occasions, such as family celebrations.

The information was collated by young people and staff at the Elton Centre in Bury, and the results of the survey will be made public at a meeting later this month.

Bury's youth spokesman, Cllr David Neath, said: "For the first time we have gone out to the young people of the borough to find out their views on alcohol abuse. The 11 to 16-year-olds were quite willing to give us their views and that information will now be invaluable in looking forward to the future."

Around 200 people, including representatives from schools, the local authority, health and probation services and those who sell alcohol will gather on the Met Arts Centre in Bury to discuss the findings of the survey on November 18.

A follow-on session aimed at young people will be held in early December, when the information will be used to form the basis of future alcohol education programmes in the borough.

Cllr Neath added: "One thing which does become clear in the survey is that parents can be very influential in determining the drinking patterns of their children. Something like a half of the respondents said they were given their first taste of alcohol by their parents, and almost one third thought their parents could influence them to drink less or stop altogether.

"These findings will be carefully reviewed and discussed. From there we expect to develop future programmes to help counter alcohol abuse in our borough."

During the initial presentation, background information will be given about the project and there will be discussion pieces from young people themselves, and Drugs Education consultant Ian Clements.

The play "Smashed" will also be performed by the G.W Theatre Company.

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