MORE than 20 Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service employees have kicked off the year by giving up alcohol for the month.

Staff from the charity, which provides support for all carers in the borough, said that since giving up booze, they have seen a number of health benefits.

Team member Karen Walker said: “I’m taking part as I’m fed up of every weekend being based on activities that include drink, as this limits our opportunities of doing other things.”

Blackburn with Darwen has backed the Dry January challenge, being run by Alcohol Concern in conjunction with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

For more information, email blackburndarwen@ dryjanuary.net or visit http://refreshbwd.com/