Comedian Bill Bailey warns teenage drinkers

A multi-media advertising campaign featuring comedian Bill Bailey is being lauched by the government to educate teenagers about the potential dangers of alcohol.

The "Why let drink decide?" campaign advert stars Bailey telling a drink-related anecdote.

However, the shock punchline is designed to highlight the increased risks young people face having drunk too much - such as teen pregnancies, road accidents and poor marks at school.

Fellow comedians, Jo Brand, Josie Long and Russell Kane have also backed the campaign.

TV, radio and cinema ads will be accompanied by leaflets in doctors' surgeries and a new website for parents giving tips on how to talk to their child about the dangers of drink.

Bailey said: "Comedy is a great way to get information across and if people are laughing and enjoying it, you can slip messages or something more serious in under the radar and I think it has more of an impact.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of charity Drinkaware, said alcohol can be a "difficult" and "sensitive" topic for parents to raise.

He added: "Using comedy is a creative way to get people thinking about alcohol misuse. Although not all young people drink, those that do drink are drinking more and more often, putting themselves at risk."