POLICE have launched a new campaign to help prevent rape and sexual assaults during the festive party season in the county.

The campaign is reminding men and women to drink sensibly on a night out to help avoid life-changing consequences.

Led by the County Community Safety Unit the initiative will also highlight how seriously allegations of sexual assault and rape are taken by the police.

This includes, if convicted, being placed on the sex offenders register, losing s job and not being allowed to travel to many foreign countries.

From November 11, and continuing on weekends until at least the New Year, officers will be carrying out extra patrols to help raise awareness of drinking safely and to encourage clubbers to get home safely.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “We’re not trying to stop anyone enjoying themselves, we just want people to take care and not put themselves at risk because they’ve drunk too much and put themselves in a position they would not normally do.

“We know that rape and sexual assaults have such devastating and long lasting consequences on people’s lives, whether they’re a victim, family member, or a perpetrator.

"It’s so important to stay in control of your actions and not letting a night full of promise and fun turn into a morning and even lifetime of regret.”