RENEWED calls for a complete ban on the sale of alcopops have gone out following the tragic death of a teenager hit by a train.

The Greater Manchester and Lancashire Regional Council on Alcohol - which has an information centre in Chorley - wants the drinks taken off the shelves.

Fourteen-year-old Graham Bailey, of Aughton, near Ormskirk, drank alcopops and other alcoholic drinks at a teenage party in a Scarisbrick pub.

Almost three times over the drink-drive limit, he was killed on an unmanned level crossing as he made his way home.

Many alcopops are around 5.5 per cent proof while normal beers or lagers are around 3 per cent.

GMLCA counsellors from Chorley are visiting local high schools to warn of the dangers of youngsters taking them and any other drugs.

They have already given a talk at Holy Cross RC High where parents expressed their concerns about alcopops.

One counsellor said: "When youngsters first take a drink they don't like it because it is an acquired taste, whereas they can take these drinks and they haven't got a clue it is an alcoholic taste.

"Unless things are done I think you will see the repercussions later on."

The GMLCA has supported the Co-op and Iceland in their ban on the sale of alcopops.

It warns that children as young as 10 and 11 feel the drinks are for people of their age.

Now members of the public are being urged to join their campaign by writing to manufacturers, retailers and breweries stressing their concern and supporting the call for a ban.

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