ALCOHOLICS Anonymous in East Lancashire are urging people who think they have a problem to take action as the number of people worried about their drinking rises because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity runs 19 online meetings each week and four face-to-face Covid-secure ones.

The virtual sessions can be found at https://www.aaeastlancs.org.uk/online-meetings/.

The face to face meetings taking place in Oswaldtwistle on a Monday, Rishton on a Thursday, Whalley on a Friday and Barnoldswick on a Sunday during lockdown.

The East Lancashire AA Intergroup's push follows Alcohol Awareness week and national figures revealing there has been an increase in calls to their helpline and online services of more than 35 per cent in the first quarter of 2020 and a rise of 15 per cent in the second quarter compared to the same periods last year.

East Lancashire AA's Public Information Liaison Officer Daniel said: ""During the current pandemic there has been a very significant increase in people contacting us to looking for support and help.

"We are committed to being there for those who need our help and over the last few months groups across the country have risen to the challenge that the Covid restrictions have created to find new ways of being there for those who need help. I would urge anyone who is suffering with the illness that is alcoholism to get in touch. We are here to help.

"Anyone who wants help with their drinking can contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650 or email help@aamail.org or visit the Chat Now service at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk."