REVELLERS in Worcester city centre celebrating Christmas Eve are being warned that a police presence will be on hand to ensure a silent night.

Operation Christmas Presence was launched in Worcestershire last week to keep people safe over the festive period by clamping down on drink driving, drink spiking and alcohol fuelled violence. It has so far has proved a success.

"Our presence will continue to be felt this Christmas, as we continue to deliver safer roads, pubs, clubs and communities," said chief inspector Alan Baldwin, head of operational policing in the Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon.

"The weekend before Christmas, traditionally one of the most boisterous weekends of the year, was comparatively peaceful for South Worcestershire communities.

"Very few incidents inside licensed premises were reported, with most occurring outside food outlets or in the street," he said.

Pubs, clubs and off licenses were visited by officers and on Wednesday four of West Mercia Constabulary's most senior officers were out and about on the streets of Worcestershire supporting the campaign.

Chief constable Paul West, chief constable Alan Bridge, assistant chief constable Margaret Wood and assistant chief constable Ian Arundale visited communities in Worcester, Malvern, Evesham and Pershore to promote the operation.

The message has also been driven home in radio commercials, posters and on 80,000 drinks mats distributed to pubs and clubs.

During this time, divisional officers dealt with 14 offences ranging from minor disorder to drunk and disorderly.

West Mercia Constabulary's campaign will be carried out across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and the Wrekin.

The force has warned people not to risk lives by drink driving. They will also crack down on alcohol fuelled violence.

Assistant chief constable Ian Arundale, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said: "We know that people are more likely to become involved in a confrontation with others when they have been drinking."

West Mercia has offered the following tips for a safe and happy Christmas:

Nominate a group driver.

Look after your friends.

Always protect your drink.

Don't drink and drive.

Walk away from trouble.