PUBS, clubs and bars are being urged to become Water Angels to help cut the number of drink related visits to hospitals.

The scheme is also aimed at reducing fights and other antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol.

Its aim is to encourage licensed premises across West Sussex to make it as easy as possible for 18 to 24-year-olds on a night out to get access to free drinking water.

The project, thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been officially launched by West Sussex County Council’s public health team.

A pilot project at the Moka nightclub in Crawley saw models dressed up in angel wings handing out shots of water from water packs to clubbers.

Smaller venues are being asked to introduce water coolers to make sure people can top up with water.

Council cabinet member for community wellbeing, Christine Field, said: “This is not an anti-drinking campaign.

“It is about getting young adults to drink more water, and in so, doing helping them to pace their drinking.

“We recognise the fact that young adults won’t queue at a bar and ask for a glass of water – so why not take the water to them?

“It is a simple idea but could have real benefits both for the health and safety of young adults and venues – and their local communities – where it could lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour.”

Among those backing the scheme is 22-year-old Henry Maybury, a University of Chichester graduate, whose older brother Tom died in his 20s from alcohol addiction.

Henry’s song Lost Days, in memory of his brother, has been viewed more than a million times on YouTube and he has set up the Lost Days campaign to raise money for addiction and recovery charities.

He said: “I think Water Angels is a fantastic idea as it conveniently promotes drinking water without being too blatant, which is critical if we want to change the mindsetand make it acceptable to pace yourself on a night out.”

Licensing and public safety manager at Sussex Police, Jean Irving, said: “Anything that dilutes the effects of alcohol is a very positive step forward.

“We welcome any initiative that can help to prevent drunken anti-social behaviour.”

For more details, visit www.water-angel.co.uk.