RESIDENTS in Essex are being encouraged to throw out the booze for January.

Essex County Council is urging people to sign up to Dry January and kick-start a healthy 2014.

The national campaign to stay alcohol-free for the first month of the year is being run by charity Alcohol Concern, supported by the NHS and other health organisations including County Hall.

It aims to give people a chance to lose weight, feel better, save money and make a difference, with the added incentive they could be fulfilling a number of New Year resolutions all in one go.

Ann Naylor, county councillor for health and wellbeing, said: “Most people like to indulge in a tipple or two to celebrate Christmas and the arrival of the New Year so January is the perfect time to recharge, and make a fresh and healthy start to the year ahead.

“If you can take a break from alcohol, you could lose a little weight, have nicer skin, feel more energised to do other things and save yourself some money at the same time.”

To find out more or to sign up to Dry January visit dryjanuary.org.uk, and more information can also be found at facebook.com/DryJanuary or by following @dryjanuary on Twitter.