PARENTS have been getting advice on making alcohol less appealing for their children.

The Alcohol Awareness day held at the Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington follows a campaign run in the area’s schools.

Parent Support Adviser Julie Bray, who covers schools in Willlington and Sunnybrow, said the aim was to make children aware of the harm alcohol can cause.

The event at the Spectrum was aimed at parents to show them why they should be teaching their children about the dangers of alcohol.

Activities included making mixed drink mocktails using juices rather than alcohol, beer goggles which simulate being drunk and a racing car challenge.

More than 30 people attended the event, and Ms Bray said: “Hopefully we have got the message out there to parents about why alcohol is harmful to children.

“We have already worked with the children themselves but it is a good idea to have the parents involved as well.”

The event, which included representatives from Durham Police, Durham County Council’s 4Real service, Tesco and One Point, was part of the ongoing Wear Community Alcohol Project.