A drive encouraging people to cut out alcohol in the new year has been launched.

Norfolk County Council's public health team has today started its Dry January campaign, which urges people to think about their alcohol intake and alter it for the month.

Louise Smith, director of the team, said: 'It can be easy to over-indulge in food and drink over the festive period, but now may be a good time to think about your health and make some changes ready for the new year.

'If the thought of giving up alcohol completely for a full month may seem too much, we would urge people to consider simply reducing their alcohol intake instead. Any step is better than no step at all.'

According to figures from charity Alcohol Concern, about 20pc of people in Norfolk are thought to be drinking at a level which increases the risk of damaging their health, costing the NHS an estimated £39.5m.

Last year, 670 people across the county signed up to Dry January, which will also encourage people to quit smoking.

Mrs Smith added: 'We want to encourage people to make a positive change in their behaviour so they begin to feel the health benefits.

'This can include encouraging longer-term moderation in how much alcohol they consume, reduce the number of cigarettes smoked, and also increase their exercise.'

Drinking 10 pints of beer a week equates to more than 120,000 calories a year.

To find out more, or to sign up now, visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk or www.facebook.com/DryJanuary