The only residential clinic for alcoholics in Lincolnshire is to close but a senior specialist has warned the move is a dangerous one.

The Ferdowse Clinic at Heckington near Sleaford has treated up to 2,000 people since it was set up 15 years ago.

But the focus for funding residential care nationally has shifted to illegal drugs and the Ferdowse is no longer regarded as a priority.

When I crossed the threshold of the clinic my battle with the bottle was done and the bottle had won

Tom Edwards patient

But the clinic's medical director has warned alcohol is a bigger problem than headline-catching drugs.

Dr Mostafa Morsy said: "It is dangerous that alcoholics are being denied the chance to receive residential treatment.

"It is dangerous that the government is giving priority to drugs because alcohol is far more dangerous than illegal drugs."

Tom Edwards had a drinking problem for 30 years before coming to the clinic.

It cost him his career in the televison industry and many of his friends.

He said: "I was going round in a kind of vicious circle. When I crossed the threshold of the Heckington clinic my battle with the bottle was done - and the bottle had won - I had given in."

Since his treatment he has been alcohol-free for three years.