A study showing people who enjoy the odd tipple are less likely to suffer a premature death than teetotallers has been welcomed by British cancer experts.

Downing up to three glasses of wine or beer a week reduced the risk of dying from any cause, and in particular cancer, over almost a decade, scientists found.

But the risk of developing a deadly illness rose among more regular boozers - for every drink over this amount.

Fiona Osgun, of Cancer Research UK, said: "This study agrees with decades of research which has shown that alcohol causes cancer.

"Alcohol causes seven different types of cancer, so while you might not want to go teetotal, it is a good idea to cut down on how much alcohol you drink to lower your risk."

These include tumours of the mouth, upper throat. larynx, oesophagus or gullet, breast, liver and bowel.

The study by Dr Andrew Kunzmann and colleagues at Queen's University Belfast is published in PLOS Medicine.