HEALTH warnings will appear on Newcastle Brown Ale cans and bottles from next month.

The decision by brewers Scottish and Newcastle is part of a campaign to promote sensible drinking.

Messages will be extended across other Scottish Courage brands, which include John Smith's bitter and Foster's and Kronenbourg lagers.

The initiative will tell drinkers how many units cans and bottles contain, typically two units for a can of lager.

It will be accompanied by the message: ''Responsible drinkers don't exceed three to four units a day for men, two to three for women.''

Coors, which brews Carling and Grolsch lagers, has already said it will introduce a similar policy next year with other brewers expected to follow suit.

Scottish and Newcastle said Newcastle Brown Ale would be the first of its brands to carry the messages.