ESSEX drinkers have recorded the highest number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in the east of England.

Figures released by Public Health England show there were 28,778 booze-related admissions in the last year in Essex.

In comparison, Hertfordshire registered 22,006 admissions, Norfolk 21,331, Suffolk 14,715 and Cambridgeshire 13,699.

Each figure represented a year-on-year rise.

Worryingly, 2,537 alcohol-related deaths were recorded across the east in 2017.

Eytan Alexander, CEO of addiction treatment specialists UKAT said: "The numbers speak for themselves; thousands of people across the East of England hospitalised because of alcohol and worse still, worrying rises in alcohol related deaths.

"It's time to admit that there is a problem here, and we call on councils across east of England to make better budget decisions this coming April and to invest more of their Public Health Grant into local drug and alcohol treatment services, as well as early intervention and awareness campaigns in order to support those most vulnerable.”

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