EMERGENCY services joined forces with taxi drivers, bus drivers, licensees and local authorities to show their commitment to a campaign to reduce binge-drinking.

Nightsafe was launched at Redworth Hall Hotel, near Newton Aycliffe, yesterday, as a joint initiative between Darlington, Sedgefield, and Wear and Tees community partnerships.

It will target 18 to 24-year-old men in particular, and has been timed to coincide with festive celebrations and the new Licensing Act, which came into force on Thursday.

Provocative posters will now be seen on the back of buses, on buildings and beer mats, all carrying the message: drink sensibly, know your limits and avoid that extra drink and always walk away from trouble.

It is hoped the campaign will make a significant impact on the anti-social behaviour that arises from having one drink too many.

It is part of a nationwide initiative, which started in Blackpool, in Lancashire, and guest speaker at yesterday's launch was Inspector Dave Barnes, from Lancashire Police.

He said: "Nightsafe is definitely working. We have got a long way to go, but we are going to get there."

Nightsafe co-ordinators say partnership is key to the campaign and, already, better links are starting to develop between the police, licensees, taxi drivers and the local authorities.

The ambulance and fire services also have their part to play.

Billy Wilson, divisional officer for accident and emergency for the NorthEast Ambulance Service, said: "The problem we face is that we are often called out to people who are not injured, just intoxicated.

"We need drinkers to be aware they could be calling us out for someone who is just drunk when there might be someone else around the corner who is seriously injured. This means that person who really needs us has to wait."

There is also the added pressure of threats against staff by drunken revellers and, on occasions, damage caused to vehicles forces them to be taken off the road.

Mr Wilson added: "The ambulance service supports any campaign which helps to ease this problem.''

Inspector Brian Maud-ling, of Darlington Community Safety Unit, who spoke at the launch, said: "I just want to see this campaign recognised for what its about and that is knowing what your limit is and sticking to it. Walk away from trouble and those who look like trouble."