NIGHT-OUT safety packs which contain a condom and a kit to test drinks for date-rape drugs are to be given to 16-year-olds in Bolton.

They have been devised by a group of teenagers concerned about the effects of binge drinking on young people.

The Safe Night Out kits also contain a special Alcotop' bottle stopper to put over opened drinks to prevent them being drugged or spiked.

And there is an information leaflet spelling out drinking "dos and don'ts" and advice on safe sex.

Police and Bolton Council have backed the initiative.

The packs are being distributed through youth workers, youth clubs, teenage pregnancy workers and drugs advisers to young people aged 16 and over.

They are the brainchild of 18-year-old Zaman Kala, his brother 17-year-old Zaeem and their cousin, Sufiyan Kala, aged 15.

They developed the idea after attending Bolton's "Bin the Binge" conference in April to address the high levels of drinking among young people.

Zaman, who is a student at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "We do not drink ourselves but we have friends who drink and are aware of the issues surrounding binge drinking.

"We felt that something should be done to raise concerns surrounding of the problems associated with nights out and alcohol "Rather than just talking about it, we thought this project would help make young people more aware of some of the dangers.

"We're really pleased with all the support we've had in getting this off the ground, and hope that it may be replicated elsewhere."

Following the conference the boys, who are from Daubhill, approached local youth workers about their concerns which included drink-related accidents, violence, unplanned pregnancy and disease.

With the help of local businesses, they produce the packs and carried out a trial in Rumworth which was an outstanding success. Buoyed by the pilot scheme, the boys submitted a bid for a £12,000 grant from the Government's Children's Fund to produce 5,000 Safe Night Out kits and were successful.

Zaman said: "People make take issue with the fact that the kits contain condoms, but we know young people do have sex. Surely it is better to be safe. At the same time everyone knows that a lot of 16-year-olds drink. We can't ignore these issues."

The testing kit for date-rape drugs contains a pad which changes colour when a drop of a spiked drink is placed on it.

The campaign is being supported by Bolton Council as well as the police and the Primary Care Trust.

Margaret Blenkinsop, director of children's services for Bolton Council, said: "It is really exciting and refreshing to see this direct result of work that has been undertaken by young people for young people, as it gives them a greater understanding of the sorts of problems their peers face when on a night out. They should be highly commended for all their hard work."

Chief Inspector Martin Greenhalgh from Bolton Police said drink spiking is not a problem in the town, but welcomed the kits. He said: "These packs are giving out the right message about how to have a safe night out. If they can make a few people stop and think for a couple of seconds about the dangers of consuming too much alcohol, then they are invaluable."

Bolton's Evening Economy Manager Laura Miseo said: "I think the safety packs are a brilliant idea. It complements the work we are doing to keep people safe.

"The information leaflet included makes young people aware of the dangers facing them, and hopefully will make them think about drinking."