HARD-HITTING posters warning young revellers of night-time dangers have been posted around Blackburn and Darwen.

The posters, based around the hit film Trainspotting, warn against date rape drugs, unlicensed cabs, binge drinking and violence.

The 1996 film, starring Ewan McGregor, followed the lives of a gang of drug addicts.

Now photographic designs based on the hit film's famous orange posters have been replaced with silhouettes and words of advice for young drinkers.

The move comes after a debate about East Lancashire nightlife was sparked when Evening Telegraph columnist and club owner Margo Grimshaw said town centres at night were now no-go areas for some people.

Councillors gave the thumbs-up to the eye-catching "Drinkspotting" designs, which have also been given approval from Bar U members, a licensees scheme which bars trouble-makers from pubs and clubs.

The ads appear on bus shelters and billboards across the borough in a bid to encourage people to stay safe while partying.

Stephen Caton, creative director at Source Creative, the Blackburn-based design company behind the posters, said they wanted something which people could recognise and relate to.

"It had to be a little bit different," he said. "Whatever you think about the film Trainspotting, it immediately relates to drinking and drug-taking.

"But the film didn't glamourise it, and it made perfect sense to have something which showed the seedier side of things."

Mr Caton added: "The Government is clamping down on drink-related anti-social and violent behaviour in pubs and clubs, and licensees are constantly looking for new ways of getting across the zero-tolerance message."

Coun Frank Connor, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for citizens and consumer rights, said: "This campaign aims to educate people about how they can enjoy what the town has to offer without taking unnecessary risks.

"We want to attract people and show them that by following a few simple rules, such as keeping an eye on your drink, you can have a great night out, and that it is memorable for all the right reasons," he added.