NON alcoholic cocktails were at the top of the menu at an event aimed at highlighting the impact of drinking on older people.

Elderflower mojitos and mock champagne were among the drinks served alongside more traditional morning refreshments at North Road Methodist Church in Durham.

The event aimed at the over 50s is part of a wider project by Age UK County Durham to help people become better informed about alcohol and its effect as they get older.

People were able to try samples of non-alcoholic cocktails and take the recipes away to make them at home, while there was also a talk with practical demonstrations provided by the volunteers involved in the project.

It follows research which found that in 2013, the cost of alcohol-related hospital admissions for the over 55s was £12.9m, compared to £7.2m for those aged 18-54.

Harriet Gibbon, chief executive of Age UK County Durham said “We are thrilled with the success of this initiative which we have developed with Durham County Council.

“Older people are telling us that our volunteer champions are helping them to understand the impact of drinking alcohol as we age.

“I would urge any older people’s groups who would like our champions to visit them to contact us.”

For further information email engage@ageukcountydurham.org.uk or contact 0191 374 6567.