THE NUMBER of women who have been arrested for being drunk and disorderly has jumped by seven times in the last five years.

Figures from Gwent Police show the number of arrests rose from 29 in 2003/2004 to 190 last year The rise reflected a growing trend across the UK - with 5,891 females detained compared to 3,847 five years ago.

The figures have led to greater calls for restrictions on cheap booze offers in clubs, pubs and off licences.

A Gwent police spokeswoman said the force is taking a number of measures to curtain binge drinking.

"Since the inception of the licensing act in November 2005, as well as increased patrolling and therefore the increased capability to deal with all types of offenders, there have been a number of targeted early intervention operations focusing on the night time economy.

"There has been a no tolerance approach to alcohol related disorder during this time. This early intervention has proven to reduce statistics of more serious alcohol fuelled violence later in the evening."

In addition the police force has targeted young adult females with the Pink Handbag campaign.

50,000 pink handbags have been issued to schools, colleges, universities and retail premises which highlight the risks of excessive drink.

The Drinks not Drunks campaign in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly has brought the issue home using posters, t-shirts and beer mats at licensed premises.

The force hopes the campaign will remind staff of their obligations not to serve drunken people, while dissuading customers from drinking to excess.