New Year revellers in Colchester and Tendring are being urged to drink responsibly and stay safe ahead of seeing in 2018.

The North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has issued the warning to everyone ahead of their celebrations, whether that involves going out or staying in.

Dr Prashant Arora, a GP in Clacton, said: “If you’re celebrating the new year, out and about drinking with friends, or staying at home drinking, then please know your alcohol limits and stay safe.

“Our colleagues in A&E have to deal with many people’s binge-drinking, hangover symptoms and sprains from alcohol-related falls. Please remember to drink sensibly, stay safe and don’t stretch our already hard-pressed A&E staff to the limit.”

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager at Essex Police, has also warned people not to drink or drug-drive during New Year festivities.

He said: “We are still seeing a high number of people drink-driving, which is unacceptable. However, what is even more concerning is the number of people we are seeing drug-driving.

“More than 1,200 people have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving in Essex since the start of last year. What we’ve also seen is a correlation between drug-driving offences and other areas of criminal behaviour. This indicates that those breaking one area of the law are also involved in other types of crimes.”