Hundreds of thousands of Kent residents are drinking alcohol "above" the recommended levels, it has emerged.

Latest data shows 308,000 people in the county are consuming alcohol above the suggested amount by the NHS, according to Kent County Council (KCC).

Around 15% of Kent's population have been described as "binge drinkers".

Cllr Clair Bell (Con), KCC's cabinet member for public health, said: "Figures for 2021 estimate that nearly 308,000 people in Kent are drinking above the recommended levels of alcohol, and, an estimated 15% are binge drinkers."

Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, roughly seven pints of normal-strength lager or nine glasses of wine.

KCC's public health team is currently working with local groups and charities to tackle problems around excess alcohol intake and substance misuse.

Effects of excessive drinking include heart disease, stroke, cancer and liver disease.

Recreational use of illegal drugs is prevalent in the county, as 10% of adults in Kent reported drug use in the last year, namely those aged from 25 to 29.

The figures were delivered to KCC's public health committee at County Hall, Maidstone, yesterday (Sept 20).

The latest data comes alongside the publication of a new county action plan to tackle drugs supply, crime and disorder from 2023 to 2028.

The plan is being overseen by Kent Substance Misuse Alliance, which includes a partnership of the police, councils and emergency services.

Cllr Bell said: "Our strategy will aim to tackle drug and alcohol misuse through prevention, treatment and recovery and community safety."

One of the solutions put forward is investing more cash into the support of charity groups to provide more treatment and recovery, such as Addaction.

KCC's public health committee yesterday agreed to invest an extra £1 million to extend the service, due to expire in December. It will now run until March 31, 2024.

Addaction is one of the UK's leading drug, alcohol and mental health charities, providing supportive advice to drug addicts and alcoholics.

The charity supports children and young adults, aged 11 to 24, battling substance misuse, providing recovery and treatment services.

Addaction has been described as "resilient" and "responsive" amid the coronavirus pandemic over the last two years. It is hoped the contract extension will enable the retention of a "suitably trained" workforce.

However, KCC opposition leader Dr Lauren Sullivan (Lab) asked whether enough funding was being invested to tackle the issues locally. She said: "Do we know that this is meeting the demand and need out there?"

Kent residents can provide views on other ways to tackle substance misuse by clicking here. https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/drugandalcoholstrategy.

The public survey opened on September 6 and closes on October 31.