PARTY-GOERS in the North-East are being targeted in a fresh campaign to curb the risks of spiked drinks.

Warning posters and beermats are being sent around the region's licensed premises advising people to protect their drinks from those who may try to add other, possibly illegal, substances.

To kick-start the campaign, Northumbria Police has teamed up with the Federation Brewery, which has agreed to sponsor a range of beermats for all its licensed premises, totalling nearly 800.

University students will be the first to get the updated leaflets, as they are being distributed during Freshers' Week, which starts today at the universities of Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland.

Credit card-sized leaflets will advise students how to avoid having their drink spiked in a pub, club or party, how to recognise the signs of spiked drinks and what to do if it happens to them or their friends.

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted is asked to call the police, or the Rape Examination Advice Counselling and Help service on 0191-212 1551.