Up to 350,000 British children are suffering because their parents are drug addicts, government advisors have warned.

A report by the Home Office's advisory council on the misuse of drugs warned on Thursday that the children of addicts face physical and psychological harm.

It also found they often have to fend for themselves, and may have to look after their parents and younger siblings.

Members of the council called for more joined-up working between agencies

And they urged the government to do more to help the estimated three per cent of all children under 16 in England and Wales who are affected by the problem.

"Reducing the harm to these children should be a main aim of Government drug policy, and services such as child protection agencies, GPs and education bodies need to work in a joined up way so signs are not overlooked and these children's voices are heard," said Dr Laurence Gruer of the ACMD.

"Most services for problem drug users offer very little help for their clients' children. That needs to change."

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth described the report as groundbreaking and accepted action was needed.

"The report acknowledges that there is already excellent work being done throughout the country but shows that these services need to be expanded so they are consistently available and can reach as many children as possible," he said.