HEALTH experts have joined forces with Purbeck District Council to launch an initiative calling for residents to reduce their alcohol consumption throughout October.

The campaign, the Purbeck Pledge, was officially launched at Westport House, Worgret Road, on Wednesday to raise awareness of alcohol-related issues in the district, organisers say.

Project bosses also hope the month-long initiative, set to include a number of information events across Purbeck, will ultimately "signpost people to appropriate support services" should they require them.

Dr Alistair Ward, Wareham GP and Purbeck Pledge Project sponsor, said: "The alcohol reduction campaign is the first of, hopefully, many Purbeck Pledge campaigns which aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the district.

"The idea of the Purbeck Pledge is to raise awareness of alcohol related problems and encourage a safer approach to the use of alcohol.

"This year the challenge is for people to cut down – or cut out – alcohol for the 31 days of October."

Information will be available online and people can sign up to newsletters containing tips, drinking facts and alternatives to drinking to keep them motivated and on track.

Purbeck District Council local communities spokesman Cllr Bill Pipe said: "The pledge is for anyone who drinks regularly. It is surprising how many of us drink more than is good for us without really noticing, so this campaign is for anyone who wants an opportunity to look at how much they are drinking and do something about it.

"By the end of October, hopefully we will feel better, look better, and, of course will have had some fun on the way."

Visit dorsetforyou.com/Purbeck-Pledge to sign-up or find out more.