Binge drink warning

A stark warning about the risk of suffering a stroke through excessive drinking was given today.

The Stroke Association said that, with people more likely to drink heavily during the festive season, the dangers of having a stroke increased dramatically.

The charity urged restraint, especially among women who are more likely to die from a stroke than men.

Margaret Goose, of the Association, said that people "were risking their health and lives" by getting too merry.

A study of 6,000 men found those who drank more than five units a day were twice as likely to die of a stroke.