The volunteers of the Kent Search and Rescue Service will this Christmas be repeating their highly successful campaign of last year to head off any river deaths.

Following several years when inebriated revellers fell into the River Medway and drowned, there were no such deaths over Christmas last year after a promotional campaign saw warning leaflets distributed in local hostelries, while the volunteers patrolled the river itself to provide an instant response in the event of mishap.

Stewart Baird said: "Last year we did not have an alcohol-related drowning during the festive period and as such we are repeating our patrols again this December.

"We will be concentrating on Maidstone this year, with double the crews working.

"We will have two boats supported by medical response vehicles and land based rescue crews."

The team will be patrol on two Fridays, two Saturdays and the Sunday immediately before Christmas.

They will also be taking to the water this Saturday to practise their rescue techniques.

But Mr Baird said: "The real message we want to get across is please don't rely on us.

"If you are out enjoying yourself with friends over Christmas, avoid water on the way home and don't walk home alone. Look after yourself and look after your friends."