The information was released as the Government steps up the campaign to raise awareness of the risks of heavy drinking.

The number of young people who drink is coming down, but those who do are drinking more often, and more heavily.

At the same time, the last year has seen a small rise in unplanned teenage pregnancies, and the evidence shows a link between the frequent use of alcohol and unsafe sex.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "The good news is that the number of young people who drink is coming down.

"But I'm concerned that those who do drink are drinking more, more often, and at a younger age. They are also now more likely to drink outside in the street, or in parks.

"We know that there is a clear link between drinking and having unsafe sex, and we also know that the number of unwanted pregnancies has gone up recently."

This comes as the Government told parents not to allow children under the age of 15 to try alcohol.

An Ofsted survey revealed that 19 per cent of children aged 11 to 14 in South Tyneside have been drunk once or twice in their lives.

And 89 youngsters under the age of 18 were admitted to hospitals in the borough with alcohol-related problems, between 2004 and 2007.

Reports suggest young people are twice as likely to have unprotected sex while under the influence of alcohol compared to when they are sober.

A survey of 14 and 15-year-olds in Rochdale found that one in five girls, and one in 10 boys, had gone further sexually than they wanted to because they were drunk.

And another survey of 15 and 16-year-olds found that nine per cent of boys, and 12 per cent of girls, said they had unprotected sex after drinking alcohol.

Official statistics show that in the first three quarters of 2007, the number of teenage pregnancies has started to creep up after years of decline.

In South Tyneside, health professionals have recognised the link between unsafe sex and alcohol.

As a result, South Tyneside Children's Alliance, which is a partnership between the local agencies working with children and young people, has set up a 'risk and resilience' group. Alice Wiseman, children's commissioning lead for South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, said: "The group has been formed to look at all risk-taking behaviour – including alcohol – together.

"A post has been created to lead on the development of workforce training to ensure young people are educated around risk-taking and provided with opportunities to build resilience.

"The group has also brought together agencies working to facilitate safe drinking and safe sex so that both issues can be tackled together."

Before Christmas, a hard-hitting advertising campaign was launched showing a teenage girl who has unprotected sex after drinking and ends up pregnant.

Melanie Soutar, manager at South Shields-based Matrix, which aims to help reduce substance misuse, said: "We know there is a link between alcohol and teen pregnancies, but there are also links to anti-social behaviour and health risks to look at.

"The 'risk and resilience' group is a great idea, and we are working very close together.

"At the Matrix we give out condoms and chlamydia tests, and sexual health clinics give drug and alcohol screenings.

"The best prevention possible is to provide the relevant information.

"What needs to be clear is everyone in South Tyneside is working together to make sure the children and young people have better opportunities and through consultation, the young people have told us some of the areas they want to change."

And young people are also receiving the relevant information in the classroom with personal, social and health education being made statutory in all schools.

Ms Wiseman added: "We are reviewing sex and relationship education in South Tyneside to ensure that it is meeting the needs of all children and young people.

"Receiving good-quality and age-appropriate information about sex and relationships in school is a major protective factor against poor sexual health and teenage pregnancy.

"We will also be working more closely with parents to encourage them to talk to their children about sex and relationships.

"The essential time for talking about sex and relationships is between the ages of 11 and 14.

"This is when teens are most receptive to advice and parental guidance.

"The right guidance about sex and relationships and risk-taking behaviour will inform their ability to make measured and responsible decisions throughout their teens and into adult life."

Anyone with information about alcohol being sold illegally to children should contact the confidential hotline number 0800 093 5897.

They can also report problems by texting the word UNDERAGE and details to 07786200802, or online at www.reportitonline.co.uk.