The agonies of persistent alcohol abuse were explained to Year 8 pupils of St Ambrose college in Cheshire on an alcohol awareness day. The healthcare team at the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School took every pupil through the short-term and long-term effects of the demon drink. From the slurred speech and blurred vision to cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, obesity and psoriasis caused in the longer term, boys discovered the risks and responsibilities associated of drink. Anthony Bull, from Altrincham, said: “My mum and dad have explained the dangers of drinking, but not in such detail and it has certainly made everyone think again about drinking. It doesn’t seem that cool to any of us.” Michael Thompson, headteacher, said: “Society has to manage a growing problem of alcohol abuse and the first place to start is with better education.” Linda England, St Ambrose college nurse, who delivered the alcohol session, said: “Young adults should be very careful not to cause irreparable damage early in their lives.”