Health experts are urging members of the public to give up alcohol for January and see the benefits to your waistline, wallet and general health.

This plea comes as people get set for the Black Friday of booze, a day where the Christmas party season reaches its peak.

On this day last year, sales of alcohol in pubs, bars and restaurants rose by 114% compared to an average Friday and Dr Ellen Wright, Chair of NHS Greenwich Commissioning Group, believes that there is plenty of fun to be had without alcohol.

She also said: "People often feel that they have overindulged in alcohol over the festive season and taking a month off drinking is beneficial for your general health, as well as your wallet and waistline.

"Alcohol can increase the risk of many medical conditions, including cancer, and having a "dry" January gives your the opportunity to take a break from the booze and see the benefits."

£3.7 billion was spent on alcohol last December, with total sales of alcohol rising by more than a quarter from November to December and sales of sparkling wine and licquers jumped by 88% and 54% respectively.

Over 17,000 people took part in Dry January 2014 and many reported that taking a month long break from alcohol acted as a reset button concerning their alcohol use for months afterwards, not only helping people to drink less per drinking day but also drink less frequently.

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, who organise Dry January, said: "In the run up to Christmas many people start drinking more than usual as they celebrate the festive season with parties and get-togethers.

"This is the perfect time to sign up to a holiday from alcohol."