Claims that alcohol abuse costs the region £1b per year

Alcohol abuse is costing the North East £1.01b a year, according to figures from an alcohol awareness charity.

This includes £209m spent by the NHS, and £331m in crime and disorder costs.

Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, has released the figures, which equates to £386 for every man, woman and child in the region.

Hangovers are likely to add to the financial burden affecting many workplaces - due to reduced productivity and higher rates of sickness leave.

Academics are recruiting people to take part in tests to find out how a hangover affects the way we take in and remember information.

Balance is now urging people to take on Alcohol Concern's 2018 Dry January challenge, in which participants refrain from consuming alcohol for the full month