Wirral Primary Care Trust has become the first NHS organisation in the country to offer an alcohol screening and treatment service through chemist shops.

The trust launched the programme in GP surgeries throughout the borough last year - the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.

Now the service has been extended into chemist shops.

The screening makes it possible for people to be assessed as either a safe', hazardous' or harmful' drinker - so that an early diagnosis can be made to prevent long-term damage before it occurs.

The service asks customers to complete a short questionnaire about their alcohol consumption.

Pharmacy staff will then offer appropriate advice and information based on their answers.

The PCT will be supporting all of Wirral's 86 pharmacies in providing this service as part of the borough's alcohol harm reduction strategy.

So far, 56 pharmacies have signed up to the programme, with the service already underway at 13 locations across Wirral.

Andy Mills, the trust's head of partnership, said: "This is a great example of how a PCT can take direct, positive action, using a number of contact points to reach patients in the community.

"Wirral is leading the way nationally and many pharmacists have already started running routine alcohol screenings."

The service will provide free and confidential alcohol screenings for anyone who is worried they might be drinking more than the daily recommended limits.

Kathy Doran, who is the trust's chief executive and also chairman of Wirral's Drug and Alcohol Action Team, added: "Excessive drinking and alcohol misuse is one of the biggest problems currently facing the NHS nationally.

"I strongly believe that this is another excellent example of our commitment to effectively address important public health issues relating to alcohol consumption."