Christmas partygoers are being urged to stay safe this Friday (December 19), traditionally one of the busiest days for festive revellers as many people finish work for the holidays.

Cumbria County Council’s public health leaders are issuing six basic tips which people can use to help make sure their celebration is remembered for the right reasons.

* Dress appropriately for the weather with warm clothing;

* Make sure you have a plan to get home and you inform friends or family of your intentions, but never drink drive or resort to walking home alone;

* Make sure if you’re drinking, that you keep an eye on the number of drinks you’ve had;

* Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, and don't mix alcohol with other substances or medication;

* Look out for your friends, stick together and make sure you tell someone if you begin to feel unwell;

* Don’t place yourself in danger, and always tell someone of your intentions if your plans change.

Paul Musgrave, a public health manager at Cumbria County Council, said: “Being careful on a night out doesn’t mean that people can’t have fun, but it is very important that people keep an eye on their friends and tell each other if their plans change.

"It's not just young people who may take risks; older more experienced adults can also get themselves in to trouble after a few drinks.

"Whether it be not walking home alone, or making sure if you do have sex that you use the appropriate protection, we all need a reminder sometimes.

Councillor Patricia Bell, cabinet member for Public Health at Cumbria County Council, said: "Just doing a few simple things before you go out and making sure that you let people know where you are, should help keep you safe, and make for a happy run up to Christmas."