PEOPLE leaving work early today in Wyre Forest to get home in time for England's latest World Cup match against Trinidad and Tobago are being warned by police to drive safely.

Sgt Kevin Lane, of Wyre Forest police, said: "The roads are expected to be busy from late afternoon as people leave work early to get home in time for kick-off at 5pm and we'd encourage motorists to be patient and to drive sensibly.

"Equally, anyone planning to watch the match at the pub, rather than at home, is reminded not to drink and drive but, instead, to nominate a driver in advance or to pre-book a taxi."

Three people were arrested in football-related incidents in Wyre Forest as England kicked off their World Cup campaign on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Sgt Lane said: "As expected, the pubs across Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport town centres were exceptionally busy on Saturday, due to both the hot weather and the football.

"There were a small number of football-related incidents reported."

Meanwhile, Wyre Forest residents are being urged to take the healthy option when watching World Cup matches.

Severn Trent Water is encouraging people to drink more water when watching matches to avoid problems such as dehydration and hangovers.

Company officials are advising residents to drink eight cups of water a day to stay hydrated, otherwise they risk poor concentration, tiredness and headaches.

They warned supporters that even a two per cent loss in body water could lead to a 20 per cent decrease in energy levels.

Severn Trent's head of water supply, Mike Porter, said: "We don't want to blow the whistle on anyone's fun and, certainly, we'll be cheering on England here at Severn Trent.

"But we are suggesting that people bring on water as a substitute at half-time to prevent that hungover feeling and give fizzy drinks the red card."

Severn Trent tap water is one of the best quality drinking waters in the UK and the world, according to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Mr Porter added: "Drinking more water is great for everyone, from Sven and his men to the man next door and, with one of the best quality drinking waters in the UK available at the turn of a tap here in the Midlands, there's no excuse for not getting enough of it."