By VIVIENNE NICOLL

CHRISTMAS revellers are being asked to plan ahead to ensure they enjoy the perfect end to a great night out.

Organisers of Glasgow's festive safety campaign are urging people to avoid the crowds and bad weather by downloading a licensed taxi firm's app ahead of the big night out and pre-book their journey home.

They say arranging your journey home in advance will help ensure everyone gets home quickly, warmly and safely at the end of the night.

City council licensing committee chairman Alex Wilson said: "Amid all the excitement of planning a Christmas night out, it is easy to forget about your journey home.

"Adding arrangements for your journey home to your festive check list can ensure your night ends smoothly.

"Glasgow is going to be busier than ever with thousands of party-goers enjoying our thriving pubs, clubs and restaurants.

"Demand for taxis and public transport will be exceptionally high so we would ask people to ensure they know the time of their last bus or train.

"You can also limit your wait and ensure you get a licensed taxi by downloading a company's app ahead of the part and pre-booking your journey home."

Those who don't can use one of the city's six Nitezones where marshalls staff taxi ranks and ensure the queues are orderly.

Nitezones are in Sauchiehall Street near the Garage, Albion Street opposite Merchant Square, Byres Road at the entrance to Ashton Lane, Langside Avenue in Shawlands opposite The Shed, Gordon Street outside Central Station and George Street outside the Millennium Hotel.

They will operate from 11pm until 5am during the festive season weekends.

Volunteers street pastors, police and staff from Community Safety Glasgow will be out patrolling in the city centre to help anyone in need.

There will also be a safe zone in the former St George's Tron Church in Nelson Mandela Square were free assistance will also be available.

The city's thriving nightlife includes 90 award winning Best Bar None venues where staff and door stewards have been trained in customer safety. Many of the venues are connected to the police by radio network.

Other tips to ensure festive fun include fully charging your phone before you leave home, identifying the closest Nitezone to your party venue, arranging to meet friends there if you get separated and drinking responsibly.