An MP is calling for alcohol advertising to be banned before the watershed to stop binge drinking in the district.

Keighley and Ilkley MP Ann Cryer has joined a parliamentary campaign which expresses concern about "the growing social and health harms through increased under-age alcohol consumption."

Mrs Cryer wants the Government to ban alcohol advertising on television before the 9pm watershed and from cinemas except before films with an 18' rating.

She said: "Under-age exposure to the promotion of alcohol is more dangerous than exposure to fast foods.

"When I was young we had someone come into school and teach us about the evils of alcohol and that should happen again. Schools should also make sure they teach children wisely about the dangers. It is not about stopping drinking but acting sensibly.

"People talk about the dangers of drugs but drinking can cause serious problems too, not only around town centres which we see but about liver damage later in life."

Bradford children begin alcohol education in primary schools and continue into secondary schools, as part of PSHCE and the statutory science curriculum, where pupils are taught about the dangers of alcohol, smoking and other drugs.

Many secondary schools throughout Bradford also implement the Drug Peer Education Programme where sixth form students teach younger pupils in school about the dangers of drugs including alcohol and tobacco.

Bradford Secretary of the Association of Teacher and Lecturers Philip Shakkleton said he could not support Mrs Cryer's call "more strongly."

He added: "Schools are already educating about alcohol but the availability is still a problem. But I agree that education is a key issue."

And Bradford representative of NASWUT Pam Milner said an approach to drinking at home could complement what was taught in schools.

She said: "In France alcohol is diluted for children at dinner and they are used to it, therefore it is not something that is exciting when they are older and I think some sort of approach in the home could benefit more than teaching pupils in schools."