Health chiefs at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde say December is the time to celebrate with family, friends and relatives — but this can also mean drinking more than usual.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of Public Health thinks it is important that people look after themselves when they are out and about at their Xmas and New Year parties.

She said: “This is the time of year when many people are out and about locally or in the city centre celebrating with family and friends.

“It should be a happy and enjoyable time but it can also be a time when you can put yourself at risk of serious harm by drinking too much and not paying attention to your and your friends’ safety.

“Alcohol and the cold are a dangerous combination, because contrary to popular belief going out into the fresh air does not sober you up.

When you drink alcohol your face may get flushed and your skin get warm but your body is actually losing heat more quickly because the blood is rushing to the skin.

“Your body temperature may decrease without you actually realising it.”