LEAFLETS spelling out the reality of a night in police cells are being used in South Gloucestershire to tackle unruly drinkers.

Officers in the district took up the idea after it was tried out successfully in other parts of the country.

The leaflets are being distributed in pubs and clubs and describe the "convenient accommodation" of the Lock 'em Inn.

They describe cells as having minimalist chic and include comments from real-life "guests" who spoke of the experience of the worst night of their life and how ashamed they felt afterwards.

Acting Sergeant Neil Whyman said: "These leaflets are light-hearted but have a serious message. We see too many people who don't know when to stop on a night out. They drink too much and get involved in alcohol-related crime and disorder.

"The Lock 'em Inn is one place you don't want to stay and the leaflet will hopefully get the message across that getting drunk could have serious consequences."

He said the campaign had been supported by local licensees as well as the Safer South Gloucestershire organisation, which funded the leaflet.

The leaflets spell out the cost of drinking too much and getting into trouble – from an £80 fixed penalty to a possible court appearance and a fine of up to £5,000, a possible prison sentence, loss of job and having a criminal record.

Olwen Kelly, community safety and substance misuse manager for Safer South Gloucestershire, said: "The leaflet is a clever and humorous way of driving home a serious message.

"The Lock 'em Inn project will hopefully get people thinking of the personal consequences, should they become involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour as a result of excessive drinking.