JAMES Bond may be known for his love of "shaken not stirred" martinis, but researchers have suggested the international spy should seek help for how much ­alcohol he consumes.

Although experts said they appreciated the pressures to drink "when working with international terrorists and high stakes gamblers", the literary ­character often consumed more than four times the weekly recommended limit of alcohol.

Patrick Davies, from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and a colleague read 12 of the Ian Fleming novels and worked out Bond drank between 65 and 92 units a week. They also found many examples where he drove over the limit.

"In Casino Royale, he drinks more than 39 units before engaging in a high-speed car chase, losing control, and spending 14 days in hospital," Mr Davies said. "We hope that this was a salutatory lesson."