TEA and cakes were in good supply at an event to mark the success of an initiative designed to combat some of the devastating effects of alcohol.

Darlington College hosted a Dry Hatter’s tea party to mark the end of a month-long Dry January campaign, which encourages people to abstain from drink.

Catering students staged a special dry tea at Darlington College’s Glasshouse restaurant marking the culmination of this year’s campaign, which is backed by Balance and Alcohol Concern.

Councillor Andy Scott, who holds the portfolio for health and partnerships for Darlington Borough Council, said: “The campaign is designed for us all to think about our alcohol consumption and our habits, so we can take stock of what we are doing, as alcohol can be very damaging.”

He said chronic illnesses were at their highest level with many being associated with excess alcohol consumption.

His views were echoed by recovering alcoholic Simon Pearson, who now works with NECA and Narcotics Anonymous.

“Hopefully my story will help save lives,” said Sunderland-born Simon, who said he lost his family, job and lifestyle to alcohol, ending up in a bedsit in Redcar.

“I had 50 stints in James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough, and I despised my life,” the 39-year-old said.

“I ended up in a grotty bedsit watching endless TV with a bottle of cider and a pack of tobacco. I’d had everything – a wife, a child, a good job, a house and nice car – and lost it all.

“But I am now in recovery and work in the field which has become a true vocation. Things are really looking up with recovery in Darlington and we are helping a lot of people get well.”