THE recent staggering news that the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions has exceeded one million for the first time, was mind-boggling.

This is no less than a 12 per cent increase on last year and more than double the total for 2002-2003.

These are frightening facts, but were squeezed into a remote one square inch corner of page six of the Oxford Mail, and thereby destined for complete oblivion.

LIONEL HORNER, Eden Drive, Headington, Oxford