STAYING off alcohol for a month is not everybody's cup of tea but tens of thousands will be testing their will power in January as they join a growing trend to abstain at the beginning of the year.
Many now do it to raise money for good causes and Scotland captain Scott Brown is urging fellow Scots to give up for a month to support a cancer research charity.
The footballer is sponsoring his brother Stewart to become a "dryathlete" for January in support of the Cancer Research UK Dryathlon campaign.
The charity is close to the brothers' hearts as their sister Fiona died, aged just 21, in May 2008 after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
Those taking part in the Dryathlon challenge are either sponsored to give up alcohol for a month in the new year, or donate the money they would have spent on drink to the charity.
Celtic captain Brown, 28, said: "Giving up alcohol for a month is a great test of willpower and discipline and the Dryathletes will need the support of a team of friends and family to spur them on with encouragement and sponsorship.
"I am urging everyone to limber up and sign up now for Cancer Research UK's Dryathlon. Everyone is affected by cancer in some way and sadly our family is no exception.
"That's why Cancer Research UK is close to my family's heart. Funding the charity's scientists in their endeavours to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured is a worthwhile goal indeed."
This is the second time Stewart, from Cowdenbeath in Fife, has taken on a challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
In August, the 25-year-old ScotRail worker climbed Ben Nevis in his bare feet and raised £1000 in memory of his sister.
He said: "Fiona's death devastated our family. It was really hard. And the sad thing is, cancer affects so many of us. That's why I think it's so important to raise as much money as we can to try and beat cancer sooner.
"I think the Dryathlon is a great idea for a challenge and I hope as many people as possible sign up. Giving up beer for a month won't be easy but I think the sense of satisfaction come February will be fantastic."
More than one-third (36%) of Scots plan to cut down on alcohol this Christmas after regretting drunken behaviour from last year's festive party season, claims research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Cancer Research UK Dryathlon in November.
But not all medical opinion supports dry months. Some experts fear those taking part will binge once the period of abstinence has passed.
The British Liver Trust has suggested people drink sensibly throughout the year by sticking to the recommended alcohol intake and having two or three dry days every week.
Those who want to take part in the Dryathlon can register as individuals or set up a team. Anyone who cannot last the month without a drink can pay the "tipple tax", which allows the Dryathlete to donate a £20 penalty to compensate for falling off the wagon.
Cancer Research UK launched Dryathlon for the first time last year and said it was delighted by its success after more than 33,500 people signed up across the UK and helped raise £4 million.
A spokeswoman said: "Christmas is the time when most of us would admit our willpower is at its weakest. As the party season kicks off across Scotland it seems people are trying hard not to get caught in the same food and drink-fuelled traps they did last year.
"I am sure having Scott and Stewart championing the Dryathlon will go a long way to encouraging other folk to bin the booze after Hogmanay. By signing up now, Dryathletes can look forward to a January of clear heads to raise money for the fight against cancer."
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