I applaud your coverage in highlighting the health risks posed by under-age drinking (The Argus, January 26) but can I correct one error?

You report the Brighton Housing Trust has been told by the Government we can no longer help young alcoholics.

In fact, in Brighton and Hove, the Primary Care Trust and the Drug And Alcohol Action Team have commissioned specialist services for young people.

Brighton Housing Trust is not one of those services. Some excellent work is being undertaken by agencies such as Hove YMCA.

It is true we do see young people who have been drinking for ten years or more, since their early teens.

Many long-term health problems, violence and anti-social behaviour would be reduced if we could prevent or even delay the onset of heavy drinking.

Unless we do, I fear for the future of our young people and our communities.

-Andy Winter, chief executive, Brighton Housing Trust