SHOPPERS and festive revellers will be encouraged – for one night only – to take sweets from strangers when they are and about in Darlington town centre tonight (Friday, December 19).

Traditionally, the last Friday before Christmas sees a surge in the number of late night partygoers keen to celebrate the festive season with friends and colleagues.

However, too much alcohol can cause dehydration and low blood sugar so Distinct Darlington’s team of town centre rangers will be on hand to help partygoers stay safe and healthy through the evening.

Until 11pm, the rangers, who are a familiar sight to the town’s shoppers and traders, will be handing out free water and lollipops to in a bid to hydrate drinkers and maintain their blood sugar levels.

Distinct Darlington manager Alex Hirst explained the scheme, saying: “The atmosphere in Darlington in the run up to Christmas is always wonderful.”

“However, such is the excitement it is all too easy for partygoers to feel rather the worse for wear, which is why we decided to help.

“Our rangers have kindly volunteered to extend their shift in order to supply water and sugary lollies to anyone who might need them – so everyone can have a great evening out.”