Almost 100 youngsters - some as young as 15 - have been convicted of drink-driving in Kent in the past five years.

Shocking figures released today show a total of 96 under 18s were caught behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol between 2008 and 2013.

This includes 17 under 16s - and Kent is one of the few counties across the UK where the problem is growing.

In 2012, there was a year-on-year increase of six cases, and last year, it went up by another 10.

Across the country, drink-drivers as young as 11 have been pulled over by police and brought before the courts.

But while the total number of underage drink-drivers nationwide has fallen year-on-year, Kent is one of a handful of counties to see a rise.

Responding to the figures, Chief Inspector Matthew Kendall from Kent Police's roads team said "a small minority" of those arrested on suspicion of drink-driving are under 18.

He continued: "Drink-driving is irresponsible, illegal and places all road users at greater risk.

"Officers regularly carry out stop-checks of vehicles and will breathalyse anyone suspected of driving under the influence.

"Of the dozens of drivers who are arrested in Kent each month, a small minority are aged under-18."

He added: "Anyone getting behind the wheel when under the influence, or when driving without a licence or insurance, can expect to be stopped and prosecuted.

"We encourage people of all ages - drivers, bikers, cyclists and pedestrians - to play their part in helping to prevent serious injuries and deaths on Kent's roads."

Under UK law, the minimum age limits for driving vary from 16 to 24 years old depending on the type of vehicle.

But it is illegal to drive any vehicle on a public road before the age of 16, and against the law for under 18s to buy alcohol or drink it in a public place.