Drinkers are being handed lollipops as they leave Maidstone's nightclubs in an attempt to make them better behaved.

Police are handing out the sweets as part of a Safer Winter campaign to stop antisocial behaviour.

The tactic will be used outside town centre clubs and late-night pubs on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Sgt Ian Jones of the Town Centre Neighbourhood Unit said: "The idea is simple with three issues being tackled at once: noise (as people literally have their mouths full), antisocial behaviour and alcohol related incidents.

"It’s been proven that the sugar in lollipops can help stabilise the behaviour of people who have consumed alcohol. Such a simple idea has so far achieved very good results and we hope it will prove just as successful here in Maidstone."