Maidstone council leader Annabelle Blackmore and KM journalist Alan Smith shared a drink today - the last they intend to take for the next month.

Both have signed the pledge to Dry January - and vowed to give up alcohol for the next 31 days.

Neither regard themselves as heavy drinkers, but feared perhaps they were drinking more than they should.

Cllr Blackmore said: “I just have a glass of wine in the evenings and on social occasions, but I think it’s possible for it to creep up on you and you end up drinking more than you realise.”

She said stress was a key trigger, and her life had become more stressful since taking on the responsibility of leading the council last May.

Mr Smith said he had been prompted to take the pledge after a night out at the Pizza Express Music Room in Maidstone.

He said: “I was going to see the swing band Five In The Bar with friends and got there first.

“I ordered a bottle of red wine expecting to share it with my friends, but it turned out none of them liked red.

“I had to drink the whole bottle. I was surprised to find that I did that quite easily.”

The Dry January Challenge has been set by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

NHS spokesman Sophie Lyon said: “There are significant health risks associated with excess alcohol consumption. We should all drink less.”

She said: “Those signing up to Dry January will find it’s a chance lose weight, feel better and save money.”

A survey from last year’s Dry January event showed that 49% of participants lost weight and 62% said they slept better and had more energy during the day.

Cllr Blackmore is urging all Maidstone residents to consider accepting the challenge.

Maidstone council has contacted local employers to promote the event. It is encouraging its own staff to sign up and will be posting tips, inspiration and ideas on its social media channels.

To find out more or sign up visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk

You can also join the Dry January online community at Facebook.com/DryJanuary and follow updates on Twitter @dryjanuary