AS many as 65 per cent of men and 66 per cent of women in the Borders may be exceeding the recommended levels of alcohol consumption.

That is the view of the regions interim director of public health Dr Tim Patterson, in his annual report for 2015.

And the number of adults putting themselves at risk through excessive drinking is likely to be even higher since the implimentation last week of new safe limits.

The new rules from the UK Department of Health state both men and women should drink no more than 14 units over the course of a week and that all alcohol consumption carries a health risk.

Dr Patterson highlights the links now established between alcohol and cancers and heart disease, as well as liver disease and mental disorders.

When hospital admissions for accidents, injuries, and intoxication are taken into account, this causes "considerable costs" to NHS Borders.

Dr Patterson said 43 per cent of adults (46 per cent of men and 40 per cent of women) in the region are estimated to exceed the previous safe limit guidelines.