REVELLERS from the North-East are taking a responsible approach to drinking and personal safety, according to a survey.

The study, carried out by radio network Galaxy, reveals that 70 per cent of people out for the night across our region always plan their journey home in advance, with nearly 85 per cent using taxis.

Safety also comes in numbers, with 89.4 per cent saying they feel more secure in the company of their friends.

A majority of the 18 to 35-year-olds also said they kept themselves within the governments' alcohol intake guidelines over the course of a week, with one in three drinking ten or less units a week.

However, Galaxy's study does reflect a low awareness of police and council-led initiatives to improve public safety. About a third of respondents said they were aware of local police initiatives, while only seven per cent were aware of industry campaigns and schemes to encourage responsible drinking.

Galaxy's "A Night Out" survey was carried out in association with the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association (Beda), with more than 400 respondents from the North-East.

Jon Collins, chief executive of Beda, said the survey countered suggestions that North-East town and city centre areas were becoming no- go hotspots at night.

"This survey shows the vast majority of people in the North-East go out, have a great time, take sensible precautions and get home safely at the end of the night," he said.

"More than half say that they mix their alcohol intake with soft drinks and almost 70 per cent plan how they are getting home."