The age at which teenagers can buy beer, wine and pre-mixed cocktails must be increased from 16 to 18, local health authorities and abuse specialists said in an open letter to MPs.

MPs are debating changes to the alcohol laws on Wednesday. At the moment, 16-year-olds can buy weak alcoholic drinks, while the age for buying spirits is 18.
The organisations say scientific research proves an 18-year limit would reduce alcohol abuse by youngsters, which can damage developing brains.
Last month, it emerged that the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with alcohol poisoning rose 48% to over 500 last year.
The outgoing government had been planning to allow local authorities to set their own age limits, but the measure is unlikely to get voted through because Labour MPs have withdrawn their support.
They, and others, feel allowing different towns to have different age limits will encourage alcohol tourism.