HEALTH officials are asking north Essex people to keep a daily record of the amount they drink during April.

Anglian Community Enterprise, which is responsible for community healthcare in north Essex, wants the records kept as part of an alcohol awareness campaign.

Alix Sheppard, health trainer, said: “It is aimed at the vast majority who consider themselves social drinkers but who are still probably drinking more than is healthy for them.

“It’s not unusual to want to take a little time out and have a drink or two.

“The problem with alcohol is often one drink leads to another. Regularly drinking too much has health risks.”

The NHS recommends men should not drink more than three or four units a day and women should not drink more than two to three units. It also recommends at least two alcohol-free days a week. (A unit is roughly half a pint of beer, two-thirds of a small glass of wine, or single shot of spirits.) To take part in the survey, call 0800 7313133 or e-mail healthtrainers@ acecic.nhs.uk