Drunken yobs arrested by police will be given help and information to cut down their drinking under new plans in Oxfordshire.

Police across the county are currently preparing to tackle a summer of low-level drink crime plaguing town and city centres, which has occurred since the relaxation of licensing laws.

Yesterday, the government said alcohol referral schemes would be handed out to drunks in the same way that drug addicts are currently sent for compulsory counselling if they test positive after being arrested.

Oxfordshire's police chief Shaun Morley said criminals found to be dependant on alcohol will be sent on a course once the scheme, which will be managed by the Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), is in place in September.

Chief Supt Morley added: "The scheme will be for someone who commits crimes whilst under the influence of alcohol and so we can move them away from that way of life."

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "Attitudes have dramatically changed in relation to drink driving and smoking - we need to have the same sort of discussion and debate around binge drinking as well."