KEIGHLEY agency Project 6 is supporting Alcohol Awareness Week.

The organisation is staging community information stalls at the town's Central Hall tomorrow and in the Airedale Shopping Centre on Wednesday.

And it is spotlighting the help on offer to people with alcohol problems.

Last year nearly 340,000 hospital admissions were attributed primarily to alcohol – a rise of 17 per cent since 2006.

The cost to the NHS in England alone is estimated to be £3.5 billion a year.

Lynn Lawson, director of development and communications at Project 6, said the awareness week – which runs until Friday – is a chance for everyone to examine their drinking habits.

"Alcohol is a part of many of our lives – we use it for celebration, comfort, to socialise, to wind down and sometimes to cope – yet every year it leads to thousands of lives lost and many more damaged," she added.

"The harm goes far beyond those who drink too much. It affects families, communities and ultimately our whole society.

"It's not just people at the extreme end of consumption who might want to cut back. Those of us who drink at low, moderate and high levels can all benefit from changing our drinking habits."

Tips include:

* Learn about, and keep track of, your alcohol units

* Ensure you eat something before you drink

* If you're at a drinking 'event', have non-alcoholic beverages between alcoholic drinks. And if organising an event, ensure there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives

For more advice, visit alcoholconcern.org.uk.

Project 6 has been offering help and support to people with alcohol problems for three decades.

It can be contacted on 01535 610180.