Children as young as nine are regularly drinking, according to a drink and drugs charity.

The Kenward Trust, based at Kenward House, Yalding near Maidstone, set up its Youth Outreach Teams 11 years ago and has been running an Alcohol Support Programme for young people for two years.

Executive manager Tony Williams said government guidelines classed underage drinkers as between 10 and 17.

Mr Williams put part of the blame on society’s drinking culture, which he said had changed over the 40 years since the Christian charity was set up in July 1968.

Mr Williams said: “Forty years ago the word “alcopop” meant nothing. These are aimed at children and bars and pubs have become big business.

“The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) reports that two traditional English pubs are closing a week. These were areas where younger people could learn about alcohol in a safe way, but now you have massive bars, coupled with a binge drink culture.”

The Kenward Trust also offers residential courses and counselling for people with both alcohol and drug addictions.

Since the charity launched seven alcohol treatment centres for adults concerned about their drinking earlier this year, they have been fully booked.

Anyone who wants information about the Alcohol Support Programme for young people should call 01622 817820.