A GROUP of residents have made an extra commitment by training to become "alcohol health champions" in Bolton.

Four of the recently trained Communities in Charge of Alcohol champions stepped forward to collect their Royal Society for Public Health awards to rapturous applause from all present at a full council meeting.

In Greater Manchester alone, spending on alcohol related crime, health, worklessness and social care costs amounts to £1.3bn per annum – an average of £500 per resident.

Bolton Council’s assistant director of Public Health, Suzanne Gilman, said: “I am extremely proud of the champions that have stepped up and taken on this extra responsibility and I am delighted that they have all passed with flying colours.

“Reducing alcohol harm is a key initiative within Bolton Public Health and the support of our champions means we have a better chance of helping local people to live a healthier life.”

Alcohol health champion and barber, Craig Henderson, added: “The training I received for the CICA awards, has been a valuable asset to help with supporting my clients.

“It has given me the knowledge and resources to help signpost them to further help with their addiction, this helps the client with their first step to recovery and potentially saved their life.”