Cumbria’s police force has coped with a busier than normal festive period - and officers are gearing up for another bumper New Year weekend.

Extra patrols around nightlife hotspots have been in operation around Christmas in a bid to prevent alcohol-fuelled disorder.

Officers say nights out have been “busier than usual” around the county but have praised revellers for on the whole acting responsibly.

Figures on the amount of arrests on key dates like Black Eye Friday - dubbed Festive Friday by the Constabulary - have yet to be released but officers have said most people celebrated Christmas without spending a night in the cells.

Superintendent Matt Pearman said: “The vast majority of people who have been out enjoying themselves across the county have done so responsibly.

“Nights out have been busier than usual, but the community on the whole have been enjoying themselves sensibly , and are very supportive of our uniformed officers in and around towns and so we would like to thank everyone who has been out in good spirits.”

The force is also putting plans in place for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations, some of the busiest nights of the year.

“We anticipate there will be more people out this weekend and New Year’s Eve,” Supt Pearman added.

“So naturally we are prepared for more incidents to be reported and we will have extra officers out on duty. Cumbria is one of the safest places in the country to live, we are really proud of that and want people to have fun and be safe celebrating.

“If you are going out please stay with your friends and if you get into a situation you are uncomfortable with seek help. Don’t let a situation escalate, seek help from a member of staff, security or contact the police, we are all there to help you stay safe and have a good night.”