DRINKERS in Worcestershire are being challenged to ditch the booze for an entire month to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

As part of the charity’s annual Dryathon participants are being invited to take a month-long break from alcohol in September and donate the money they would have spent to the charity.

Although the campaign is usually held in January as many people decide to stay away from drink for a while as a New Year’s resolution, this is the first time it has been held during the year.

Cancer Research UK spokesman for Worcestershire Paula Young said: “We’re so excited to launch Dryathlon in September and we hope that men and women across the region will take on this new challenge in the autumn.

“It’s the start of a new season, so this is the perfect opportunity to kick-start the month with a clear head.

“After a summer of boozy holidays and one too many at weddings, we’re urging people to be dry and mighty and sign up to Dryathlon.

“We’re confident that men and women in Worcestershire will say ‘cheers’ to the challenge and help us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Supporters can register as an individual or a team and as an incentive to stick to the plan fundraisers are being called on to donate a £20 penalty each time they fall off the wagon.

In January this year 54,000 people across the UK took part in a similar challenge, raising £5m for the charity.

For more information visit www.dryathlon.org.