TEN thousand special gadgets will protect revellers in Fareham from having their drinks spiked during the busy Christmas period.

The move comes just weeks after a woman on a night out in the town centre's pubs had her drink spiked.

The "spikeys", bottle-stops fitted with a straw which can be used to plug the neck of a bottle, will be handed out to pub and clubgoers during December.

The new spikeys were designed by a Surrey businessman whose 21-year-old daughter had her drink spiked on a night out.

They aim to prevent so-called "date rape" drugs being dropped into bottles.

The launch of the gadgets in Fareham is part of a Hampshire police, Fareham council and Fareham Pubwatch Safer Christmas campaign.

Fareham health chief Cllr Brian Bayford, said: "We want to help prevent these malicious and premeditated acts.

"We hope this will encourage pubs and clubs to see the huge benefits of these deterrents and prompt them to begin to supply their own."

Hampshire police licensing officer PC Paul Worrall added: "The spiking of another person's drink is both dangerous and irresponsible. Through this campaign we are trying to highlight the dangers of accepting a drink from another person, whether they're a stranger or not.

"Statistically it is unlikely to happen to you, but you should be aware of the risks involved.

"We hope everybody has a safe night out and enjoys a safe festive season."

Fareham police issued a warning after the first suspected drink spiking in the town in several years. It happened in early November.

They urged revellers not to leave drinks unattended, not to accept drinks from strangers and to look out for friends.

Meanwhile a Fareham nightclub is dishing out lollies at closing time in a bid to cut confrontations.

Staff at Moda in West Street believe lollipops will keep customers calmer and quieter as they depart.

The scheme had a successful trial in bars all over Southampton last year and was hailed a resounding triumph in reducing drink-related violence.