A DRIVE to spread the word about drinking and encouraging a safe, sensible, social approach to alcohol has kicked off with a community bus.

A campaign to increase awareness of the role alcohol plays in health problems, crime and anti-social behaviour started in Gravesend town centre last weekend.

A Gravesham council spokesman said: “It went really well, there were lots of youngsters getting advice about alcohol. We have raised the curtain on the issue now.”

Organisations who have contributed information on the bus are The Grand, Gravesham Public Safety Unit, Kent County Council, town beat officers, Turning Point (who provide services for people with alcohol conditions), Kent Council for Addiction (KCA) and Kent Drug and Alcohol Team (KDAAT).

The community bus will be back in New Road, Gravesend on Friday between 10am and 4pm.