The alcohol-free challenge

Britain is being challenged to go without alcohol for one week this month.

Alcohol-Free Week 2012 runs from 22 to 28 February and organisers are asking people to abstain from alcohol for all or part of the week.

They hope the effort will make people more conscious of their drinking habits and the part drink plays in their lives.

They also hope people will have a much better idea of how easy - or difficult - it is for them to live without drink.

Tips for alternatives to alcohol and advice on sensible drinking have been made available at www.alcoholfreeweek.co.uk

Alcohol-Free Week is organised by alcohol-free drinks retailers The Alcohol-Free Shop and the Lono Drinks Co, and is supported by the NHS Drinking Responsibly Project and the national charity FAS Aware that highlights the dangers of alcohol in pregnancy.

Christine Risby, of The Alcohol-Free Shop said: “We are encouraging people to give up alcohol for a weekend or the whole week. Health experts advise that we should have at least two alcohol-free days a week.

"We hope Alcohol-Free Week will inspire people to look honestly at the amount they drink and adopt a healthier lifestyle.”