IT is well known that East Lancashire has more than its fair share of problem drinkers.

Both Blackburn and Burnley are in the top 10 worst areas in the country for alcohol related admissions to hospital and around 30,000 people are categorised as having a serious issue with their drinking.

What is not quite so well known is the number of people who are risking their health by enjoying a few glasses of wine every night when they get home.

And for the first time it is those who are in the more affluent parts of our area who are finding themselves most in danger.

New figures show that 11.1 per cent people in the Ribble Valley, more than any other borough, are in the ‘high risk’ category of having health problems because of their drinking habits.

Sharing a bottle of wine just three or four times a week can be enough to exceed the recommended number of alcohol units.

And with wines becoming stronger and glasses larger it can be all too easy to go over the recommended limits.

Experts say that aside from damage to the liver, drinkers may be risking heart disease and lowering their IQ levels by up to 50 points.

Health bosses are now keen to encourage everyone to think about their alcohol consumption and whether to cut down.

Although a glass of red wine may be good for you, like everything else, it should only be taken in moderation.