PEOPLE in East Sussex are being urged to make a healthy start to the New Year – by taking a break from booze.

Dry January is a national initiative aimed at encouraging people to sign up to a pledge to give their body a break from alcohol for a month.

Almost a quarter of adults in East Sussex drink at a level which could be harmful to their health, but many don’t realise they’re increasing their risk of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver damage and strokes.

Last year, more than 17,000 people across the country signed up to the scheme, organised by the charity Alcohol Concern, and received tips and tools for staying off booze.

Cynthia Lyons, East Sussex acting director of health, said: “The New Year is a time when people often make a resolution to put the excesses of the festive season behind them and make a fresh start.

“People who signed up for Dry January last year found that taking part allowed them to reset their alcohol use for months afterwards, allowing them to drink less and to drink less frequently.

“Just making a commitment to abstain from alcohol can make it easier for people to stick to that pledge, with all the health benefits it can bring.

“We’d encourage everyone to think about the impact of alcohol on their lives and to  make a resolution which could allow them to lose weight, reduce their risk of illness and make a healthy start to 2015.”

People can sign up to Dry January online at www.dryjanuary.org.uk