Police have issued a warning to under-18s not to drink at this year's Ottery St Mary Carnival after two teenagers had to go to hospital last year after becoming 'very intoxicated'.

Police in Ottery St Mary are asking parents 'to have a conversation with their children' about the dangers of drinking at such events.

Ottery St Mary's Carnival will take place tomorrow (Saturday, October 19). The town's carnival royalty Crowning Ceremony will take place at 2pm at The Institute.

The ceremony includes a Children's Fancy Dress Competition and a Guy Competition.

The carnival procession will start at 7.30pm at Finimore industrial Estate.

A spokesperson for Ottery St Mary's Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "As we are fast approaching Ottery St Mary Carnival and Tar Barrels may we remind parents to have a conversation with their children around drinking alcohol at these events or any other time of the year.

"Last year on carnival night and another night whilst the fair was in town we had to deal with two young persons around the age of 13. Both persons were very intoxicated and had to go to hospital.

"This type of situation is very dangerous and ties up emergency services when it could of been avoided.

"Our Policing team will be taking a robust approach to anyone under 18 in possession of alcohol so please take the advice and do not drink or carry alcohol with you.

"Also if you are over 18 and choose to supply under 18`s with Alcohol you run the risk of being issued a fixed penalty. Thank you and we hope you have a great time at these two important community events."