CHILDREN as young as 11 have been admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary for alcohol abuse.

There were 22 youngsters aged under 18 who were taken into hospital due to the effects of excessive drinking last year.

This was a rise from 16 in 2010, but an overall fall from 31 in 2009.

The Hull And East Yorkshire Hospitals Trust declined to comment on the health problems the youngsters faced and what treatments were needed.

Steve Howard, who runs the charity Abstain in Hull, said: "We're now seeing quite a lot of people in their early-twenties who are coming to groups like ours and needing treatment.

"They already have significant damage from drinking.

"Ten years ago, people didn't see any alcohol-related damage until their mid-forties and fifties, but in just a decade, it is not unusual to see people in their mid-twenties.

"In order to be in trouble by then, they have been heavily drinking from the age of about 15 or 16, or even younger."

However, health experts say a focus on early intervention, to prevent youngsters falling victim to alcoholism, has been a success.

The Refresh programme has worked with 2,000 youngsters in Hull in the past three years, offering them support and guidance so they can make informed decisions about drinking.

Gail Teasdale, integrated service manager for children and young people's health, said: "We are seeing the impact of some work that has gone on over the past few years.

"It is about early intervention because we know as children move into their teenage years, alcohol becomes an issue.

"We have reviewed what is taught in schools, making sure teachers have the support and guidance they need.

"We want to give young people the skills and knowledge to make healthy choices.

"We do work with parents – those who feel they are struggling with their teenagers can join programmes to help."

Hull has been chosen as one of several locations for a new pilot project run by the Department Of Health called SIPS Junior.

Starting in April, the project will look at how to improve screening and support for young people coming into A&E due to alcohol- related problems.

Ms Teasdale said: "This will look at what the issues are when people turn up at A&E and try to put the measures in place to stop it becoming a regular thing."

Problems associated with alcohol include damage to vital organs, such as the liver, but also mental health issues, as alcohol acts as a depressant.