A SUMMER police campaign warning of the perils of binge drinking will concentrate on race-going revellers this weekend.

High-visibility police patrols will be on the streets of York as part of a three-month campaign tackling alcohol abuse and related problems.

The campaign is under the banner of Operation Style – Safe Time in York, Let’s Enjoy – run by Safer York Partnership.

As thousands of punters were expected to flock to York Racecourse today for the Group 3 Cuisine de France stakes and tomorrow for the 51st John Smith’s Cup event, the partnership were putting in place safety measures and drafting in extra staff to prevent disorder.

Sgt Ian Wilkinson, of York Police, said: “As with most race meetings, we are expecting a lot of people in the city centre, many of whom we expect will have been drinking all day.

“We are expecting a lively one so our emphasis will be on preventing any disorder. We will be assisted by ten volunteers from St Michael Le Belfry Church who will be helping us hand out bottles of water and flip-flops.”

Clips showing drinking awareness messages will be played from a media van in St Sampson’s Square warning people about the dangers of binge drinking.

Launched on June 4, Operation Style has already resulted in a number of arrests and dozens of people being ordered to leave the city centre. The scheme will continue every weekend throughout the summer period, until September 4, focusing on a range of themes associated with alcohol or substance misuse.

Jane Mowat, director of the Safer York Partnership, said: “We will be paying particular attention to licensed premises, deploying increased numbers of police officers in the city and working with the Street Angels to provide water and support to those who find themselves vulnerable through over-indulgence.”