POLICE will hand out free bottles of water to party-goers during one of the busiest nights out of the year in an effort to reduce drunkenness.

Officers hope giving revellers the water on Friday, December 20 - an evening dubbed Mad Friday because of the amount of people who head to bars for pre-Christmas drinks - will dilute the effects of alcohol.

For the third year running a campaign will highlight the link between too much alcohol – and its potentially lethal consequences.

The One Punch Can Kill campaign shows how too many drinks can lead people to become embroiled in violence - and that just a single blow can claim a victim's life.

Councillor Richard McCauley, who oversees community safety in the town, said: "Too much drink can turn a good night into a really bad one. Alcohol can see normally mild-mannered people getting into fights and vulnerable situations.

"The actions of a small minority can ruin Christmas festivities for everyone else. We want people to enjoy our vibrant town centre night-life safely."

Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Brennan added: “We want to encourage people to come out into St.Helens and enjoy their Christmas night out.

"However, we want to see people act responsibly and, where alcohol is concerned, know their limits.

"The police in St Helens will be on the streets in large numbers to ensure that, for the vast majority of people who want to celebrate this festive period, their night is as safe as possible.”