NEW data has shown the North West has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in England.

The Office for National Statistics said there were 20.7 deaths per 100,000 in the region in 2012. The east of England had the lowest rate, with 10.2 deaths per 100,000.

Hazel Parsons, director of Drink Wise North West said: “We are seeing people in their thirties admitted to hospital in the north west because of liver disease. This was shocking just a decade ago, now it’s routine.

“Thousands of people are dying too early because of alcohol abuse, from lorry drivers to dentists, and especially a lot more women now they are drinking more. Many of those dying are not alcoholics, they are simply people who have drunk too much for too long.”