Comedians support alcohol awareness effort

Jo Brand and Bill Bailey are to front a new publicity campaign aimed at discouraging underage drinking.

The pair will be joined by fellow comedians Josie Long and Russell Kane for an online viral scheme which is to provide young people with information on the dangers of alcohol.

The internet messages, which are to be launched in the New Year, have been billed as an opportunity to educate children in a "friendly" and accessible way.

A separate advertising campaign will later follow which is to warn parents about how their children can become "vulnerable" due to drinking.

The new initiatives are being introduced following a recent online survey on Mumsnet, which indicated that underage alcohol consumption was not a major concern for parents.