IF you're going to do drink, don't do drunk.

That's the message from University College Winchester which is campaigning to show the perception of students as boozy nuisances is out of date.

Martin Rennison, president of University College Winchester student union, said: "It's very important because of the peer pressure that comes in drinking situations. We're trying to make people feel safe - you don't have to be forced into drinking.''

The Do Drink Don't Do Drunk campaign involves posters, information and encouragement for students to drink sensibly and look after their friends.

Drinking games and penalty drinks such as 'dirty pints' - which involve beer, alcopops and shots - are being banned.

Mr Rennison said the union was happy for students to drink and enjoy themselves but wanted to make sure they were being responsible about it and not putting themselves in danger.

"We haven't had any incidents here, but we wanted to take this initiative,'' he said. "We're not curbing the student experience, we want them to have fun, but in a safe way.''

He added the union was also encouraging students to be responsible and cut down late-night noise and disturbance.

"We know what the common view of students is, but also stereotypes are grounded in facts,'' he said. "We're trying to show residents of Winchester we understand their concerns. We don't get regular complaints but we can get the odd one or two.''