Former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable died after he tried to lose weight on a vodka diet, according to his girlfriend.

The 40-year-old died at his home in Aberdare, South Wales, last June after choking on his own vomit. A post-mortem said he was five times over the drink-drive limit.

Rachel Jones, 33, has launched a campaign, Think Before You Drink, which is hoping to get stronger warnings on spirit bottles.

She told the Metro Cable had been trying to lose weight ahead of a tour with his new band.

“The guys were getting gig fit,” Jones said. “There are diets that say a vodka is better than half a lager because it is lower in calories but spirits are so strong people don’t realise what they are doing to them.”

Cable was one of the original members of Stereophonics, but was sacked in 2003.

He went on to forge a successful career in the media, presenting programmes on Kerrang Radio and XFM South Wales.

(by Jason Gregory)