PEOPLE with alcohol problems have been thrown a lifeline to help them with their problems.

A counsellor has been appointed to help them because waiting lists for those needing help with drink problems are high on Teesside.

Counsellors say the problem is getting worse with an increasing acceptance of binge drinking.

People who want to do something about their alcohol problems in Redcar and east Cleveland can now be referred to newly-appointed alcohol counsellor Daisy Best.

The 30-year-old will join counsellors from the Middlesbrough-based Albert Centre who work in similar roles across Teesside.

Doctors from 16 GPs' practices will refer patients, who want to help themslelves, to Ms Best, who is training to be a counselling physchologist.

"The service is designed to help people who are alcohol dependent and who ask for help and have motivation to take a new direction," said Ms Best.

"Drinking habits vary enormously - some people do not drink for long periods and then go on huge binges, There are others who wake up in the morning and start the day with a drink.

"I'm not there to tell clients off about what they do, but to help them achieve whatever goals they want to reach."

Centre manager Kevin Wilson said: "This is a very important post which meets the Government's new national strategy concerning issues around the drinking culture of the 21st Century and will provide a much- needed service in Redcar and east Cleveland."

Damaris Perry, a full-time counsellor for the Albert Centre, which has been operating for 25 years, said: "The effects of alcohol can be devastating and cause physical and psychological harm and has a terrible effect on family relationships.

"We are seeing more and more young people with the problem as binge drinking becomes more socially acceptable.

"There just hasn't been enough funding available to help these people, but hopefully the Government's new strategy will mean more funding will become available."

Ms Best will be based with the Drugs and Alcohol Service of the Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust at Portland House, Redcar.

Her post has been jointly funded by the Redcar Health Action Zone and the Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust.