Wilmington pub landlord Mark Powell has spent 2015 alcohol-free to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

In January, the 42-year-old, took on the dryathalon challenge to support the charity and to improve his health and fitness.

He has raised more than £2,000 for switching lager for soda-and-lime, and has thrown down the gauntlet for others to take part in the slightly, less challenging, dry-January.

Participants will only have to swap their favourite tipples for soft drinks for a month, but it will mean seeing in the New Year with sparkling fruit juice.

If you're planning on taking up the challenge, here are some of Mark’s top tips.

• Tell everyone you are taking part: “Once I’d told all my regulars I was doing it, I knew I had to stick with it. They tried to wind me up and catch me out by offering me drinks but I was determined to prove them wrong.”

• Have a wide selection of soft drinks you like: “When I’m in the pub I tend to drink lime and sodas but at home I stock up on squash and different juices – I really like pink grapefruit juice. I try not to have too many fizzy drinks but do have the occasional diet coke.”

• Keep motivated: “I’ve made a chart for the year and it’s really satisfying to tick each day off and see how far I have come. I can’t believe I’ve nearly made it.”

• Think of the benefits: “It’s made a huge difference to how I feel. I’ve lost weight and my training is much better as I have more energy and am more motivated.”

• Fundraise: “Knowing that I’m raising money to help beat cancer sooner and people are donating really helps me when I feel like I’d love a pint.”

To sponsor Mark, visit www.justgiving.com/Mark-Powell-dryathlete20152015 or to start your own Dryathlon challenge in January, visit www.dryathlon.org.