A PILOT scheme which aims to cut the number of alcohol related crimes in the area has now been extended to Droitwich.

The alcohol arrest referral programme was originally launched in Worcester at the beginning of this year and due to its success, offenders in Droitwich will now benefit from it.

West Mercia Constabulary, the Advisory Service on Alcohol, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Court Service have all joined forces to enforce the new Government scheme.

People who are charged with an offence where alcohol is a significant factor have to attend sessions with the advisory service as part of their bail, to look at the links between their own drinking and offending.

The project can now cover south Worcestershire for 18 months thanks to a grant of £140,000 from the West Midlands Crime Reduction and Social Inclusion Unit.

West Mercia Constabulary's licensing sergeant, Pete Hughes, said: "Before this scheme there were no mechanisms in place to help offenders that might be affected by drink.

"Hopefully this programme will have a positive impact on the person and will show the court their willingness to try and help themselves."

The Advisory Service on Alcohol is now receiving on average nine referrals a week with a 70 per cent attendance rate.

Andrew Collins,of the service, said: "Seven of the people referred to us so far have realised that they have a drink problem and are now clients, regularly attending sessions.

"Without this scheme they may never have had the courage to seek help and so the programme is already showing signs of meeting its aims."