SPIRITS were high in a North-East town as scores of revellers enjoyed one of the busiest nights of the Christmas party season.

In Darlington, the majority of partygoers out celebrating Black Eye Friday were in good spirits, with officers called to a handful of public order incidents.

Also known as Mad Friday, the last Friday before Christmas sees a surge in the number of partygoers celebrating the festive season with friends and colleagues, and has become known for drunken violence and antisocial behaviour.

To ensure the night ran smoothly, 30 extra police officers, as well as volunteer special constables, had been drafted in to Darlington town centre.

Out on patrol was Sergeant Louise Guest, who said: “The town was very busy and the vast majority of people had a safe and happy evening.

“It was just low level antisocial behaviour. We had 30 police officers out, as well as special constables, and I think that, as well as working with door staff, was a big help in the fact that there was little disorder.”

At about 10.30pm, police were called to a report of a 29-year-old man who had been allegedly hit by a taxi on Clifton Road, near the railway station.

However, it later transpired the man, who had been drinking, had staggered into a stationary taxi. He suffered no injuries and was walked home by officers.

Inspector Chris Knox, of Darlington police, added: “It was a busy night but we have had a busy couple of weekends in the run up to Christmas.

“There were quite a lot of incidents in the town centre, but nothing out of the ordinary – it was just a normal busy Friday.”

Town centre rangers, funded by Distinct Darlington, also handed out water and lollipops to revellers to help keep them hydrated and maintain their blood sugar levels.