AS THE works Christmas party season approaches, Cumbria Constabulary have produced guidelines on how to stay safe on nights out during the festive season.

If you take notice of the following guidelines, you can go a long way to ensuring you have a great time AND stay safe.

• Plan your night out including how to get home. Always have an exit strategy to get out of a situation if you are uncomfortable.

• If you are meeting someone for the first time, please make sure it is in a public place.

• If you are out alone, tell friends and family where you will be and update them if your plans change.

• Make sure stay with your friends. If you become separated, pre-arrange a meeting place at the end of the night – look out for each other.

• Take your mobile phone with you and make sure it is charged.

• Be sensible about how much alcohol you drink and pace yourself - a drunk person is much more vulnerable and a far easier target for criminals.

• Watch your drinks - do not give anyone the opportunity to alter them with other substances. If you leave a drink unattended then do not go back to it.

• Think about what you have had to drink - If you feel very drunk or unwell after just a small amount then ask a trusted friend or a member of the club / pub management for help.

• Do not take drugs or New Psychoactive Substances.

• Make sure you have enough money left at the end of the night to pay for your journey home.

“Personal safety is so important and small steps can make a big difference," said Detective Superintendent Vicki Ellis, Cumbria Constabulary Head of Public Protection. "Some of the advice we provide might seem like common sense, but it is easy to forget something important."

Last week saw Cumbria Police launch the Ask for Angela Scheme across the county, where in participating bars and pubs , which will display 'Ask for Angela' posters, individuals needing assistance can 'Ask for Angela’ at the bar and staff will assist in helping the individual get to a place of safety, such as a taxi home.

Further advice and information is available on the Constabulary's website at www.cumbria.police.uk.