A SPECIAL Alcohol Awareness Day will be held this weekend in a bid to bring attention of the dangers of drinking to excess.

The event, which is run by Burnley's Community Safety Partnership, is being held at the Charity Arch in Burnley town centre and will run from 10am - 2pm.

The partnership's Alcohol Action Group, which includes police officers and local authority representatives, drug and alcohol services and youth and community services, will be able to offer advice and information on sensible drinking.

A design competition for youngsters aged 11-14 and 15-17 has also been launched to encourage children to come up with a mouse mat with a sensible drinking message on it. The winning entries will have their designs printed on mats which will be sent to schools and youth groups throughout Burnley. A digital camera donated by Burnley-based P3 Computers and free day trips to theme parks are among the prizes on offer.

The event coincides with the launch of a Government campaign to tackle alcohol-fuelled incidents of violence and disorder which begins tomorrow.

Insp Andy Moore from Burnley Police said: "A lot of work is already in underway in Burnley to promote sensible drinking and reduce drink related violence and disorder.

"The Alcohol Awareness Day is designed to build on that good work and, in partnership with other local organisations, drive home the message that we need to call time on binge drinking."