A PIONEERING project warning kids about booze could be forced to close because of a cash crisis.

The Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project is the most extensive programme of its kind in Scots primary schools.

It has been held up as a UK model for educating children about dangerous drinking and has won many awards.

But bosses say the 12-year-old scheme could be in crisis because Glasgow City Council - its core funder - has only guaranteed funding until May.

It comes as shock figures show Glasgow has more men and women dying from booze per head of population than anywhere else in the UK.

Drink is responsible for the deaths of more than 200 men and around 84 women in the city each year.

Project manager Stewart McKay said: "Alcohol has always been a major problem but the people on the grassroots who are trying to change the statistics are struggling.

"We had hoped the awards would help bring us financial security but it hasn't happened and now we're struggling.

"If we don't get assurances from the council for our core funding we are in crisis.

"We desperately need secure funding for the next three to five years. Even if we do receive funding in May it will only run for the next year, which is no way to operate.

"There is a lot of funding for drug-related programmes but I think alcohol is often overlooked."

Last year the project won praise in the Mentor UK Alcohol Misuse Prevention Awards Scheme, along with £20,000 in funding.

The project used the cash to set up an interactive alcohol awareness website for youngsters.

Project bosses say the secret of their success is that pupils are not lectured about alcohol.

Children aged 10 to 12 are encouraged to explore their feelings about alcohol through art, discussions and role play during a four-week programme run by full-time project staff who go into classrooms.

In the latest project, youngsters designed a series of hard-hitting posters urging adults not to buy alcohol for children.

The posters will be displayed in licensed premises, health centres and stores throughout the city's East End.

A city council spokesman said talks were under way to resolve the funding issue.

He added: "This project delivers a superb service to those affected by alcohol problems in the Easterhouse area and the council is fully committed to its long-term future.

"Funding for the project comes through several sources and one of those is under review."