GLASGOW has launched its sixth NiteZone as thousands of festive revellers prepare to hit the city for Christmas nights out.

Festive partygoers are being urged to use the new NiteZone in West George Street at Anchor Lane and others around the city to get home swiftly and safely.

A new SafeZone is also being set up at St George’s Tron Church of Scotland in Buchanan Street and Nelson Mandela Place.

It is a safe, central location where anyone in need of help can go during a night out.

It will operate in addition to the existing NiteZones, extra policing and patrols by Glasgow Street Pastors and officers from Community Safety Glasgow.

Free mobile phone charging is also being offered at the SafeZone and by volunteer Street Pastors to help partygoers stay safe and connected amid the festive fun.

The SafeZone will run until January 1st as part of a pilot carried out by Glasgow Street Pastors with support from Police Scotland, Community Safety Glasgow, Chill Welfare and Glasgow Council on Alcohol. The initiative will be reviewed in the New Year and may become permanent if successful.

The new NiteZone in West George Street at Anchor Lane brings the total in the city centre to four. The others are Sauchiehall Street, Albion Street and Gordon Street. There are a further two at Langside Avenue in Shawlands and Byres Road in the West End. Homesafe Marshals will be at the ranks to ensure the queues are orderly and taxis are boarded quickly.

There will be two so-called "Black Fridays" this festive season (December 11th and 18th) when the city is expected to be exceptionally busy with office / work nights out. All the NiteZones will operate between 11pm and 5am throughout these weekends and the weekend before.

Phil Walker, Managing Director of Community Safety Glasgow, launched the new West George Street NiteZone.

He said: “Glasgow’s fantastic restaurants, pubs, clubs and nightlife are a huge draw all year round and especially during the festive season. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the city to celebrate with friends, relatives and work colleagues. We want everyone to have a fantastic time while staying safe. The city will be exceedingly busy and extra measures are being put in place due to the sheer numbers of people expected.

“This new NiteZone is a fantastic addition to the existing city network. They are extremely popular with people keen to get home quickly after a great night out - something that is especially welcome in cold winter weather."

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, Police Scotland Area Commander for the city centre, said: "People can tend to overindulge when out socialising at this time of year which can leave them vulnerable. We are committed to protecting people and are delighted to be part of the support team that has helped the Glasgow Street Pastors deliver this new service.

"The implementation of a further Nitezone in West George Street will also help those who have been out socialising get home safely. I'd encourage people coming into the city centre to have a good time and enjoy the festivities but please do so safely and be sensible about how much alcohol you consume - look after yourself and your friends."

A raffle and auction at Glasgow's recent Best Bar None Awards raised £2416.62 for the new SafeZone. This included a donation of £200 from the Bier Hall in Gordon Street. Glasgow City Council's Area Partnership has also provided £6000 in funding for the facility.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable night out

Book a taxi home in advance of your night out or use a NiteZone to get a cab quickly & safely

Charge your mobile phone before you head out

Keep your taxi fare aside from your spending money

Don’t leave your phone out on venues' bars or tables

Alternate soft and alcoholic drinks

Look after your friends (don’t get separated or go off alone)

Don’t set off walking, hoping to hail a passing taxi (they’ll be heading to the NiteZones) If you need help, head to the Buchanan Street Safe Zone, speak to a Police Officer, Street Pastor or Community Safety Officer.