A pilot service supporting people who are regularly drinking too much is proving a success.

The scheme, covering the Adur and Worthing area, offers personalised one-to-one help and support to help people take control of their drinking habits and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Latest figures show one in five people over the age of 16 in the area are putting their health at risk as a result of alcohol.

Too much drinking can lead to increased risk of cancer, heart attack, high blood pressure and liver problems.

Each year more than 4,000 people from the area are admitted to hospital as a direct result of their drinking habits.

Almost 30 people have been referred from across five GP practices in the area since the service was launched in April.

GP Rani Dhillion from Lime Tree Surgery in Worthing said: “Most people who have alcohol-related health problems are not alcoholics. They are simply people who have regularly drunk more than the recommended levels for some years. It is important that people realise that regularly drinking more than the recommended daily limits does risk damaging your health.

“It is really encouraging to see that people are already receiving the help they need through this expert service and I hope that my GP colleagues continue to refer people who could benefit from this type of personal support so that we help as many people as possible.”

The service has been developed by Adur and Worthing Councils, West Sussex County Council's public health team and the NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group.