A CAMPAIGN warning about the dangers of excess alcohol is being aired across Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary and NHS South Central have joined forces to combat binge drinking across the region over the festive period.

Radio adverts are being aired on seven radio stations, Fox FM, 2Ten FM, Ocean FM, Time FM, Horizon Radio, Mix 96 and Mix107, covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Three adverts have been produced to highlight the dangers of binge drinking. The first highlights the dangers of alcohol-related violence in nightclubs and features a lads night out which ends with a glassing incident and an arrest. The second draws attention to the risks of going home with someone you met that night and the third is a stark message to all that hospital wards and police cells are not the most festive places to spend Christmas.

To listen to the adverts log on to the Safer Streets website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news_info/police_operations/saferstreets/hangover4.htm All the adverts encourage people to know their limits when out drinking.

Inspector John Fox, alcohol-related violent crime co-ordinator, Thames Valley Police said: "Binge drinking is a major issue for both police and the NHS especially during the festive period. We are working together to try to reduce the demand on public services."

Dr James Mapstone, head of inequalities in health, NHS South Central added: "Our aim with these adverts isn't to stop people having a good time over Christmas but to raise awareness of the serious life changing consequences a night of excessive drinking can have. We want people to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. It really isn't much fun spending it in hospital."

The radio adverts are running alongside the outdoor advertising campaign which also runs into the New Year. The posters, appearing on billboards and bus stops across the four counties, show hard-hitting imagery highlighting the dangerous effects of drinking too much alcohol.