NEW crews are being employed in three city nightclubs to help vulnerable people who have had too much to drink.

In a Scottish first, Best Bar None Glasgow has teamed up with Drinkaware to launch the scheme in SWG3, The Garage and The Cathouse which cater for more than 500 customers.

Crew members will work in pairs and will mingle with customers to help anyone who may be vulnerable as a result of drinking too much.

They could assist clubbers who have lost their friends, support anyone receiving unwanted attention or simply provide a shoulder to cry on.

The crew will work with staff such as managers, security and bar teams to ensure customers have a happy, fun and safe evening.

They will introduce themselves to people queuing to enter the venues and let them know they are there to help.

The crew will also routinely check areas such as toilets and stairwells to ensure clubbers are OK and offer practical support such as tissues, water or first aid to anyone who has over-indulged.

The pilot scheme will be unveiled at SWG3 in Eastvale Place ahead of the busy festive season and it is hoped other large premises will join the first three venues to sign up.

Jonathan Dawson, operations manager at SWG3, said: "It is vital for me to put the welfare of our customers at the centre of our operation and I feel the crew add to and augments what we already have in place.

"It gives me an extra layer of service and safety. We want our customers to come and have a good time and most importantly, to get home safely."

Elaine Hindal, chief executive of independent alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware, said: "From our successful pilot programme we know this scheme can work well to help reduce the number of young adults experiencing vulnerability through alcohol on a night out and we expect to see the same positive results in Glasgow venues.

"The trained Drinkaware crew can bring a new dynamic to venues which means people in vulnerable situations have someone who is there to spend as much time as is needed to make sure they are looked after and that they can either enjoy the rest of the night or get home safely."

Glasgow's street pastors already help anyone who is lost or vulnerable in the city centre at night and Nitezone wardens ensure taxi ranks are orderly.