SIXTH-FORM students out enjoying the New Year are being warned of the dangers of leaving their drinks unattended.

Officers from the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership have distributed hundreds of "spikeys" to the students in an effort to protect them from the dangers of having their drinks tampered with. The special "alco-top" stoppers fit tight into the neck of an open bottle and cannot be easily removed.

Sixth-formers in Easingwold were the first to receive their spikeys when the district manager for community education in the town, Amanda Gledhill, handed them out.

Partnership officers also delivered them to teenagers in the Northallerton, Thirsk and Stokesley areas before the Christmas break.

Pubs and clubs in the district have also been issued with supplies - along with eye-catching posters warning of the dangers involved in spiking drinks.

"There are relatively few incidents of drink spiking in Hambleton - but one is one too many," said partnership chairman Rosemary Taylor.

"Nationally the trend is up so it is important to educate the young people about the dangers of having drinks spiked with drugs or alcohol - pills, powders or liquids.

"As sixth-formers turn 18 and are going out into pubs and clubs they must be on their guard against this despicable crime - it can have devastating effects and can strike anyone at any time."

She said the following steps should always be taken:

* Never leave drinks unattended.

* Only accept a drink from a stranger if you have seen it being poured.

* Ask bar staff to remove the bottle top in your presence - keep your thumb over the top or use a spikey.

* Watch out for your friends - go out in a group, stay in that group and come home with them.

* If you feel ill or disorientated seek medical advice immediately.

* If you think you have been a victim of drink spiking ring the police on 0845 6060 247.