RESIDENTS are challenged to quit booze for a month after a startling 13,443 people in Halton were admitted to hospital last year for alcohol-related conditions.

Around 1,141 of these patients suffered alcoholic liver disease and alcohol poisoning.

There has been a 20 per cent rise in the number of admissions for alcohol-related conditions between 2008 and 2013.

‘Dry January’ encourages people to feel better, lose weight, and change their lives.

Halton Council has joined forced with Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Cheshire Police to support Alcohol Concern’s campaign.

Halton Clr Marie Wright, board member for health, said: ““Dry January gives us a chance to think about our own drinking habits and how this can affect our lives and the lives of people around us. Whether your goal is to stay off the booze completely or to cut it down, why not join us on the challenge and see what a difference it makes.”

There were 124 hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease during 2012/13.

Between 2008 and 2010 there were 45 alcohol-specific deaths, with 90 per cent due to alcoholic liver disease.

The number of older people aged between 60 and 74 who are admitted to hospital with mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use, has increased by 36 per cent from 2008/09 to 2012/13.

Emily Robinson, director of campaigns at Alcohol Concern said: “Lots of people are drinking a bit too much, too often and this challenge offers the chance to break some habits and reset our drinking patterns.”

Local residents are invited to complete an online survey at halton.gov.uk/questionnaire/dry_january_survey.htm If you provide an e-mail address, you will receive regular motivational messages with tips to help you stay dry for 31 days.