Drink and drugs warning to revellers

New Year's Eve revellers are being warned not to mix alcohol and drugs.

Experts believe the potent mix is "highly unpredictable" and could lead to deaths.

The warning follows a recent survey carried out by the talktofrank.com website - the Government's bid to appeal to young people. Of 1,005 people aged between 11 and 21 who responded, 43 per cent who admitted taking drugs recently said they would mix the two tonight.

Dr Ken Checinski, a spokesman for Frank, said: "Taking any drug is a health risk. But when you mix more than one type of drug and drink alcohol you are increasing the risks and making the effects more unpredictable."

Tips from Frank include telling friends what drugs you have taken, not going to clubs alone and not travelling with a driver who is drunk or on drugs.

Dr Austin Tate of The Priory's Roehampton hospital said: "I think the only advice I can really give is don't take drugs at all. Alcohol, as we know, can make you drowsy and even unconscious. By taking something like speed or cocaine on top of that, you are fighting against it. Anyone doing that will be really pushing their body to the limits."

Dr Tate also criticised party organisers, many of whom are planning 36-hour events. "It's impossible to get through that without some kind of illegal stimulant," he said.