POLICE are urging parents to help tackle teenage drinking after a drunk 14-year-old boy was found by officers in public gardens.

Officers from Lyme Regis Neighbourhood Policing Team are asking parents to be vigilant after alcoholic drinks were left on the new eastern sea wall following a disco on Friday (13) night.

The 90s Madness event was held at the Marine Theatre.

PCSO Luke White, said: "When I popped my head around the corner there was a mass exodus of young people, moving speedily off down the walkway, down the steps and up into the Charmouth Road car park.

"Dotted along the wall was a line of part finished alcoholic beverages, ranging from red wine, through to ciders and lagers.

"I disposed of as many as I could carry, fortunately someone had left their rucksack behind so I was able to fill it with the now empty vessels and deposit them in a nearby bin."

PCSO White later found a 14-year-old boy in Langmoor Gardens who he said had consumed "the best part of a bottle of wine".

He added: "His phone was flat and he was struggling to remember his home address. His friends had all legged it when they saw me walking through the gardens.

"Fortunately for him we were able to locate him home address and deliver him safely to his parents. We are not here to stop people having fun, but its cold out there, and we would hate any harm to come to one of our young people after drinking too much alcohol."

PCSO White is calling on parents to know where their children are spending time at weekends to help prevent underage drinking in public places.

He added: "The quantity of alcohol which I located was hidden in various parts of the town, and which was abandoned by children as I approached hopefully did prevent a number of them getting drunk.

"However I'm sure I did not spot every hidden can of lager. Parents and guardians have an equal, if not larger, part to play in preventing underage drinking, and keeping the children in our community safe."

Alex James Heath, one of the organisers of Friday's event at the Marine Theatre, took to Facebook to thank the police for their help.

He said: "As one of the organiser's of the discos, we appreciate the support and presence of the police at our events.

"We want everyone to have a safe and fun night. Having the police patrols covers the areas we are unable to, so thank you."