REVELLERS in Burnley and Pendle are being offered the chance to try a pioneering device aimed at preventing date rape over the festive season.

Spikeys, as they are known, are placed over drinks bottles and act as a barrier to any pill, powder or liquid which could be slipped into a drink without the knowledge of the drinker.

The tops can be seen under ultraviolet light and have a hole big just enough for a straw to fit through.

Although police in the two areas say they do not have a big problem with drink spiking, they have welcomed the initiative as is it will help ensure the situation does not change.

Spikers add date rape drugs such as rohypnol and GHB, or liquid ecstasy, when an opportunity arises usually from drinks that have been are left unattended.

Liquid ecstasy in particular is colourless and odourless so can easily be hidden in a drink and often cause amnesia, confusion, drowsiness and even unconsciousness.

The plastic bottle tops are available from all bars and clubs which are part of the PubWatch scheme The spikeys intitiative is part of a wider campaign to warn people not to leave their drinks unattended and comes as many thousands of people in the area gear up for New Year's celebrations this weekend.

Coun David Whipp, chair of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: "Spikeys were launched to make people aware that drink spiking does take place despite there being no problem in the area. This is a preventative measure.

"I warn everybody not to be complacent. Drink spiking is becoming a greater problem, and is especially common at this time of year.

"I would advise everybody to make sure you keep an eye on your drink at all times and ask for a spikey every time you're at the bar."

Vicki Crorken, Burnley town centre police sergeant, said: "Fortunately drink spiking is not a problem in towns across the Pennine division. This is designed to ensure it remains that way.

"It is just one of a package of measures being implemented over the festive season to make sure that people can have a fun but safe night out."

Pendle Community Safety Partnership is also encouraging a safer approach to drinking and appeal to drinkers to remain in control of themselves and look out for friends.

Chief Insp Cath Thunder-cloud, said: "Offenders who want to have sex with people without their consent are much more likely to get them drunk first. So it's important to make sure you know your limits."