12 June 2012 Last updated at 09:50 ET

Harrogate schools to use drama to tackle teenage drinking

The play tells the life-story of the American millionaire who founded Alcoholics Anonymous

Schools in North Yorkshire are piloting a theatre scheme which aims to educate teenagers about the dangers of alcohol.

Harrogate has one of the highest levels of alcohol-related hospital admissions for under 18s in Yorkshire, according to the Centre for Public Health.

The play, by Bryan Bounds, is about the life of Bill Wilson the found of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Mr Bounds said the drama allowed students to learn about alcoholism and its destructive effects.

'Growing concern'

My Name is Bill, which is performed by Mr Bounds, the founder of the Leeds-based Amerrycan Theatre, was shown to critical praise at the Edinburgh Fringe and has been adapted for use in education.

Mr Bounds, himself a recovering alcoholic, said: "I've watched with growing concern about how alcohol has become such a big issue for young people.

"A lot of alcohol education is quite patronising and condescending but students are very switched on, very sophisticated."

The Centre for Public Health said Harrogate was second only to Wakefield in Yorkshire for alcohol-related hospital admissions for under 18s.

The drama is being shown to Year 12 students at Ashville College and St Aiden's School.

Marion Farrar, business liaison officer at St Aiden's School, said: "I think young people see alcohol as a norm these days which is a worrying trend.

"It is becoming more and more what you do on a night out as a matter of rite."