GLASGOW party-goers are being urged seek advice before dabbling in legal highs this festive season.

City drugs campaigners are the first to launch a new drop in service in a bit to cut the number of people who become seriously ill after taking them.

Although they can be bought in shops, legal highs - also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS) - can be deadly.

Figures show that last year the substances were present in 47 deaths in Scotland and in five they were the only drug.

With the use on the rise in Glasgow and across the country, Turning Point Scotland, Crew, Glasgow Council on Alcohol and the Scottish Drugs Forum are providing a new support service for those who are worried about the affects of legal highs. They are holding drop in sessions to offer advice and information about keeping people safe.

Turning Point Scotland's Patricia Tracey said: "While we don't condone drug use, our priority first and foremost is preventing people coming to any harm if they do take legal highs.

"We want to help keep people safe and ensure they are informed about the effects these substances can have.

"Often people don't know what they are buying or the strength and purity of what is in them. Impartial, non-judgemental advice is important to reducing the potential harm posed by taking legal highs."

If anyone is concerned about the risks associated with the use of these types of stimulants, either personally or for family or friends, they can use the drop in service between 6pm and 9pm today and January 2, 6, 9, 13 and 16.

The service is based at Turning Point Scotland's Glasgow Drug Crisis Centre at 123 West Street, Glasgow. Those who need help can also call 07587320438.