Today is what has become dubbed in recent years “Mad Friday”, when many people finish work for the Christmas period and generally celebrate with a night out straight from the office or workplace.

It’s a time of high spirits, goodwill and flowing drinks... but that can also lead to problems.

Those who are not used to drinking regularly might be tempted to binge on alcohol which could leave them with more than just a hangover. As well as the general dangers of drinking, there can also be a dropping of inhibitions.

And that, say health bosses, can be a recipe for disaster if people get carried away with the Christmas spirit and are not quite as discreet or as sensible as they might be normally.

Drink-fuelled encounters could lead to sexually-transmitted infections and even pregnancy... and there is also the danger of signals being misread and people getting themselves into situations with members of the opposite sex that could put them in danger.

Should anyone do something they bitterly regret, there will be a network of sexual health clinics open across the district during the festive period where people can get help if they fear they have picked up something nastier than the bar tab at a festive bash.

No-one wants to spoil anyone’s fun, especially during the party season, but the best way to avoid such a situation is to try to rein in the drinking or at least have trustworthy friends on hand who will gently let you know if you’re getting into a situation you really shouldn’t.

Other than that, if you’re going out tonight, enjoy yourself – and stay safe.