A refuge is being created to help drunken revellers avoid being mugged, beaten up and sexually assaulted.

The Safe Haven in Brighton will be somewhere for intoxicated people who have lost their friends to get medical care and transport home.

The joint initiative between Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council, the city's Drugs and Alcohol Team, charity Off The Fence and others, is a bid to reduce the amount of people falling victim to violent crime after nights out.

A team of Prince's Trust volunteers are converting a store room in St Paul's Church in West Street and it will open for a trial run in February.

Julia Wyborn-Dore, violent crime reduction officer at Sussex Police, said: "Violent crime is a problem in this area during night-time hours and this is mainly caused by people who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. People can inadvertently become very vulnerable to violent crime offences such as robbery and sexual assault."

People who seem vulnerable will be directed there by police, door staff and ambulance staff.

Staff will find out if someone can come to collect them and, if not, arrange a taxi provided by City Cabs, which they will have seven days to pay.

To begin with it will be open between 11pm and 5am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Volunteers are wanted to staff the refuge.

Anybody interested should call Ms Wyborn-Dore at Sussex Police on 01273 665563.