STILT-WALKERS and fire breathers have been recruited in the fight against alcohol-fuelled violence.

Police in Newcastle hope free street entertainment will ward off trouble on one of the busiest nights of the year.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the town centre's bars and clubs from this afternoon as they finish work for the last time before Christmas.

With the potential for violence and anti-social behaviour high, police have adopted an unusual strategy to distract revellers and prevent trouble from breaking out.

The street entertainers will be based in High Street and will work from around 10.15pm to 2.30am.

There will be two fire eaters earlier in the evening, with balloon modelling and juggling as the night progresses.

Sergeant Mark Speedman, from Newcastle neighbourhood policing unit, said: "This is the first time we have done something like this in Newcastle town centre, and we are hoping it will be a success.

"Four street entertainers will help keep visitors to the town centre occupied as they move from one venue to the next and as they make their way home.

"We want everyone to have an enjoyable but safe night out in Newcastle."

Inspector Amanda Davies, of Newcastle Police, added: "This is a technique which has been used all over the country which we have not tried before and thought we would give a go. We will assess the results and cost effectiveness before using the technique again."

The police will also be deploying extra officers in the town centre.

Street entertainers have been used as a diversionary tactic before in Manchester city centre, and the idea has been welcomed by businesses in Newcastle.

Dan Maddox, chairman of the Newcastle Pubwatch scheme, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea. Anything that deters people from causing trouble on the streets has to be a good thing.

"When people are intoxicated, it is quite easy to entertain them with the simplest things. Having worked in the pub trade for as long as I have, I probably know that more than most."

Doug Morris, president of Newcastle Chamber of Trade, said: "We went along with the recommendation, as we feel it is worth a try.

"It should mean there is less potential for confrontation. We have to keep trying new things like this."

The initiative forms part of the work of the Safer Nights Partnership and has been funded by the police, Newcastle Borough Council and other partners.

Meanwhile, a scheme to help drinkers get home safely after a night out has been launched in Stafford.

Marshals are being employed at taxi ranks in the Bridge Street area.