Dr Tony Baxter made the shocking revelation ahead of The Great Drink Debate - a three month campaign to gather views on alcohol from across the region.

Dr Baxter, joint director of public health for Doncaster Primary Care Trust and Doncaster Council, said: "It's really important that Doncaster people take part as drink misuse has a big impact on people's health and we need to increase our understanding of how alcohol is sold, served, marketed and used.

"It's estimated that managing drink related issues costs public services in the town, like the NHS and police, over £40 million pounds every year.

"And around 6,000 Doncaster children live in homes where one or more adults misuses alcohol, so the local impact is significant."

Doncaster has been chosen by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Alcohol Group as one of four areas in the region chosen to host an open-air roadshow. Staff will be at St Sepulchre Gate handing out promotional giveaways and asking town centre visitors to complete a questionnaire on November 29.

The campaign will run until January 31 2009 and the findings will shape new regional alcohol strategies.