REVELLERS celebrating the festive period should make sure they have a night to remember for all the right reasons, say police.

The emergency services and representatives from Worcester’s clubs and bars have been reminding people to enjoy a drink safely and responsibly over Christmas and the new year.

Senior officers and members of partner organisations were handing out posters, leaflets and beer mats outside the Guildhall for the launch of West Mercia police’s annual Operation Christmas Presence.

The force-wide campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drinking irresponsibly, leading to drink-driving, booze-fuelled violence and drink-spiking.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Edens said the operation was not about stopping people having a good time.

He said: “We know people will enjoy themselves but there are some people who might end up regretting what they did. They might put themselves in danger or end up in a police cell or in hospital having ruined their life or someone else’s.”

During the festive period the police are stepping up road and foot patrols across Worcestershire and the force area in a bid to tackle drink-fuelled crime.

Joining the police was Roger Harris, of Telford Training Consultants, which helps educate convicted drink-drivers, and members of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which often deal with accidents caused by drink-driving.

Neil Fowler, Worcester fire station watch manager, had a simple message for people thinking about drinking and driving.

“Just don’t do it. The impact on families and on friends is huge and it isn’t worth the risk,” he said.

Suzanne Llewellyn, south Worcestershire district prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said a night of irresponsible drinking could be hugely damaging to people’s lives.

“We’ve dealt with cases where two friends go out drinking together, don’t think that anything will happen and then get in a car and the worst happens and that’s two families devastated,” she said.

For the first time Nightsafe will be playing a part in the operation. The scheme brings together about 40 of the city centre’s licensed premises, pubs and clubs to share details of banned drinkers and troublespots.

Nightsafe chairman Darren Pinches said: “We’ve joined up with the police, we’ve got CCTV and we’re sharing information.

“For example we can circulate pictures of people with banning orders from licensed premises to tackle any potential trouble.”

People can find out more at nightsafeworcester.co.uk.