[mobertol]

Nanny and his little helpers were well known for knocking back the pints and more at the Union bar and the Turf Tavern in their yoof.

Undoubtedly they can therefore empathise with today's "hoodie" binge drinkers, being well-versed in the after-effects of a little over-indulgence themselves.

It is a great kindness on their part to want to save young people the odd "morning after the night before" headache.

The problem is that increasing the price of alcohol will make no difference, except for a certain amount of grumbling about having to spend more for a good night out. People have always enjoyed drinking and always will -some will go to excess and learn their limits, some will end up in A&E and cost the tax-payer money, others, unfortunately will get hooked and become alcoholics.

Perhaps the governent could introduce the study of Temperance from a young age in the school Curriculum. Like any form of self-denial a few will enjoy it but looking at the record of sex-education in schools in the UK, with respect to teenage pregnancy, abstinence is not easily accepted as an option.