Paramedics are dealing with a growing number of drunk and incapable youngsters on the streets, according to a senior member of North Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Tim Lynch, director of patient services, said more teenagers than ever were putting their lives and long-term health on the line through thoughtless binge-drinking.

The comments of the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (TENYAS) boss come after an Evening Press investigation laid bare the street-drinking culture among the city's youth.

We revealed how dozens of underage drinkers were on the streets every night and that police were struggling to deal with related nuisance, vandalism and disturbances.

Mr Lynch, TENYAS director of patient services, added that irresponsible adults who drink to excess on Friday and Saturday nights are piling even more pressure on over-stretched emergency resources.

He said: "Ambulance crews are coming across an increasing number of young patients who are drunk and incapable.

"The marketing of alcohol has improved and does target specific groups, like young people, which has accelerated the problem.

"We are also seeing an increase in the number of calls to adults who are drunk, most commonly on Friday and Saturday nights, which obviously puts unnecessary pressures on the ambulance service."

A spokeswoman for the accident and emergency department at York Hospital said there was "no major problem" with young people being admitted with alcohol-related illnesses or injuries.

Updated: 10:27 Tuesday, July 06, 2004