By Hayley Robinson

Youngsters can find out what it's like to be drunk without touching a drop of booze.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Week, visitors to The Forum shopping centre in Sittingbourne will be asked to try on a pair of 'beer goggles' and have a go at playing interactive sporting games on a 46inch TV.

Wearers of the special goggles experience visual distortion, loss of perception and lack of control which are similar to the effects of being drunk.

The aim is to encourage young people and adults to think carefully about alcohol and its effects in a new and interesting way.

The event, which takes place from 10am to 4pm on October 21, has been organised by Kent County Council's drug and alcohol action team in partnership with other agencies.

Outreach workers from adult and young people's treatment services in Kent will be on hand to offer advice to parents about their children's or family's attitudes to alcohol and to engage young people about why alcohol should be enjoyed sensibly and at a legal age.

Alcohol screening cards will also be handed out so adults can work out if they really know how much they are drinking and if it could be causing them harm.