DRINKERS in the region are more likely to end up in A&E with alcohol-related problems than anywhere else in the county.

Latest figures show the West Kent PCT, which covers Gravesham, Dartford, Maidstone and the Weald, saw casualty units treat 17 per cent more patients for injury or illness caused by excess alcohol - more than double the national increase.

That compares with a county average of a near 10 per cent increase, from 4,185 to 4,589 since 2005.

The statistics from the Information Centre for Health and Social Care report a varying countywide picture of alcohol-related admissions.

The West Kent PCT, which merged with Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone Weald PCTs in October 2006, saw the numbers treated rise from 1,451 in 2005-2006 to 1,705 in 2006-2007.

Medway PCT saw a rise of 14 per cent in the same period. The 758 patients admitted in 2005 -2006 climbed to 865 in 2006 - 2007.

The Eastern and Coastal area saw a slight increase at 2.2 per cent between 2005 and 2007.

Nationally, the figure was a seven per cent increase in A&E alcohol-related admissions.