THE survey which today reveals the frightening extent of alcohol consumption among Lancashire's children will shock many people - and rightly so.

That nearly two-thirds of our nine to 13-year-olds have experimented with booze, and that one in six admits drinking every week, should make us all sit up and take note.

Even more worrying is that the figures are based on children willing to answer questions about their drinking, and therefore the real figures could be even higher.

The fact that the survey mirrors the national position should not diminish our concern. Education is vital in tackling this very serious issue and good work is already being done.

But alcohol support workers need more help to deal with those children whose involvement with alcohol is already affecting their lives and drawing them into crime.

Yes, the drinks industry needs to act responsibly, especially as the youngsters themselves point to the draw of alcopops as being the main reason why they drink.

But parents also have a massive part to play in tackling the problem.

Who is buying the drink for these youngsters, who is allowing them to congregate on street corners swigging from bottles, and who is allowing them to be swayed by the pressures of advertising and juvenile bravado?