Bubble burst on alcohol trouble

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Drinkers and festive revellers on the streets of Bolton are being given bubble-blowers to stop them causing trouble as they make their way home.

The light-hearted scheme has a serious message for drinkers who are being urged not to get involved in violence or make too much noise.

Blue and orange pens will be handed out and double as bubble-blowers.

Councillor Elaine Sherrington said the aim of Operation Sherry was to keep people as "as safe as possible".

'Light-hearted'

The pens will be handed out by police community support officers and town centre ambassadors.

The Be Safe Partnership, which includes police, the fire service and council, is running Operation Sherry for the third year.

Ms Sherrington, from Bolton Council, said: "The run-up to the festive period should be full of fun, not problems with drunkenness or rowdy behaviour.

"The bubble pens are a great idea to keep things light-hearted and town centre revellers will have something fun to focus on as they leave pubs and clubs.

"The act of blowing bubbles is normally associated with parties and entertainment, and the Be Safe partnership wants everyone to party safely."

Police in Manchester and Blackpool have previously used lollipops to cut down on anti-social behaviour among drinkers.

Operation Sherry runs until the end of the month.