CONDOMS and devices to prevent drink spiking are part of party packs being given to young people to help them have a safe night out.

The credit-card sized packs are being distributed to 18 - 24-year-olds in Blackburn and Darwen town centres as part of an initiative to reduce the dangerous effects of a boozy evening over the festive period.

The age group is one of the most likely to have unprotected sex, start a fight or be assaulted after drinking large quantities of alcohol. Binge drinking also puts them at risk of short and long term health problems.

The packs, available from the Safe Haven Bus and Brook peer educators, will also contain a booklet including tips for a safer night out; maps showing where taxi ranks and public transport points are, where the Safe Haven Bus will be each night and emergency telephone numbers.

Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership and Primary Care Trust, with the support of Blackburn with Darwen Young Persons Sexual Health Board have developed the packs, which will be available from this Saturday.

They will be handed out with the message When you're out drinking - keep thinking."

Claire Jackson, the partnership's young persons sexual health strategy co-ordinator said: "We know that when people drink too much they can lose their inhibitions, which sometimes leads to unprotected sex."

She added: "We hope that the clear messages within the pack and the availability of free condoms will have a positive impact on the sexual health of under 25s in Blackburn with Darwen".

Coun Alan Cottam, chairman of the partnership, said: "It is important that people are aware of their personal safety when they are out. We don't want to stop people enjoying themselves but they should be aware of the need to stay safe and how to look after themselves."