Scots find alcohol among the top five things that are most difficult to give up for a month, a poll suggests.

Cancer Research UK released the results of its survey as its 'Dryathletes' gear up to ditch drink over January to raise money to help beat cancer sooner.

The survey found that more than half of all Scots (58%) plan to make a New Year's resolution and almost one-fifth (17%) said they would find alcohol the hardest thing to give up putting it among the top five.

Cutting down on favourite foods and snacks was in the top five, with 21% saying eating less would be the toughest thing to stick to.

Someone who gave up alcohol and lost weight last January is Livingston man Stevie Lawson. The 56-year-old father-of-one stuck to his New Year's resolution after signing up for Cancer Research UK's Dryathlon.

He was inspired to take up the challenge and support the charity as his father, who was also called Stevie, died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Stevie snr, a postman who lived in Gilmerton, Edinburgh, was 72 when he died.

Dryathletes pledge to drop the drink for a month in the New Year and either get sponsored or donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to Cancer Research UK.

Stevie said: "Cancer touches everyone and, because I lost my father to the disease, I am determined to do what I can to help bring an end to the suffering it causes."

The Cancer Research UK poll found almost one-fifth of Scots (19%) said they were more likely to stick to a ­resolution with the support of their partner.