DRINKERS across Yorkshire and the Humber are more likely to exceed the recommended daily guidelines than anywhere else in the country, an NHS report has claimed.

The news comes as figures released by North Yorkshire Police confirmed arrests for alcohol-related crime have also risen in the last two years.

The NHS report showed 43 per cent of men and 36 per cent of women in the region were most likely to exceed Government recommendations of four units for men, or three for women.

The most recent NHS public health profile on York said the rates in binge drinking in the city were worse than the average for England, but the number of hospital stays due to alcohol-related harm were “significantly better” than the national average.

Earlier this month, a report from charity Alcohol Concern showed a 24 per cent rise in levels of moderate and severe alcohol dependency in England and said dependent drinkers cost the NHS £2.7 billion each year, and health welfare and crime costs total about £22 billion each year.

Last week, North Yorkshire Police confirmed arrests for alcohol-related crime had increased in 2009.

Police made 3,274 arrests in 2008/09 for alcohol-related crime, which includes criminal damage, violence and antisocial behaviour committed while the offender is under the influence of drink.

Arrests for the same crimes last year totalled 3,494 – an increase of almost seven per cent.

However, they confirmed the number of people arrested for being drunk and disorderly had fallen by more than 15 per cent since 2008.

In June, North Yorkshire Police and Safer York Partnership launched Operation Style – Safe Time in York, Let’s Enjoy – providing education and high visibility messages to cut down on crime and antisocial behaviour throughout the summer and encouraging revellers to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft ones.

Last weekend, seven people were arrested as part of Operation Style on a variety of drunk and disorderly and alcohol-related crimes, including affray and assault.

Police also issued two Section 27 Orders, forcing individuals to leave the city centre if officers believed their presence will lead to alcohol-related crime or disorder.