Children are almost twice as likely to have been drunk or consuming alcohol every month if their parents are heavy drinkers, a survey has found.

The link between the drinking habits of parents and their children's relationship to alcohol was revealed in a study by the independent charity Drinkaware.

It found that 19% of youngsters who had parents drinking over recommended guidelines had been drunk before, compared with 11% of children whose parents drink below the guidelines or not at all.

Similarly, 21% of children with heavy-drinking parents drink at least monthly in comparison with just 12% of youngsters whose parents do not exceed guidelines.

Siobhan McCann, head of campaigns and communications at Drinkaware, said: "Most parents want their children to grow up with a healthy relationship with alcohol and try to set a good example.

"The problem is that some parents drink above the guidelines without realising and this in turn influences their children's attitudes and behaviour.