FESTIVE party-goers in Warrington will have another reason not to drink and drive this party season.

Warrington is launching its first ever late night bus service, which will run over the Christmas and New Year period.

The unique service is a joint venture between Warrington Borough Council, Brannigans, Warrington Borough Transport and Cheshire Police.

Clr Brian Maher, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said: "It will mean many people will no longer have to walk home alone and offers an alternative to queuing for a taxi."

If the pilot run is a success and enough people use the bus, it could become a regular feature on the timetable.

The bus will run

on December 17, 18 and 19 December, as well as Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Police have thrown their weight behind the scheme, which will be operated by Warrington Borough Transport and is supported by Warrington Borough Council.

The pilot scheme has been sponsored and funded by Brannigans and people will be able to buy tickets from a box office in Brannigans.

If successful, the bus service will be extended to include other town centre pubs and clubs.

Debbie Hatch, general manager of Brannigans, said: "We fully support this initiative and we are proud to be involved in something that we all hope will make party nights over Christmas and New Year memorable and safe ones."

Buses will run on the selected nights every half hour from 1am until 3am.