Late night revellers in Liverpool could be forgiven for thinking they are seeing things this Christmas.

The city centre is to be flooded with rickshaws by the council as part of efforts to combat drink-driving.

The pedal-powered vehicles are popular in cities across Asia.

The service will be free in an attempt to encourage drinkers to use it.

If it means taking a rickshaw ride to stop people drinking and driving then we will provide that service Councillor Flo Clucas

The rickshaws will cost nothing and will first be in service on Friday, 20 December.

They will transport people from the city's clubs and bars to public transport such as the night bus from Queens Square and taxi ranks.

They will also link in with Skoop - a home drive service in which a driver arrives on a moped which folds into the boot of a car.

The Skoop driver then drives the car owner home in their vehicle.

'No excuse'

"With these alternative forms of transport there is absolutely no excuse for anybody to drink and drive this Christmas," said Councillor Flo Clucas.

"However, we know that whether it is going out for the night, the office party or just being invited for a Christmas drink there will always be a temptation to drive.

"What we are doing is highlighting the fact that there are plenty of ways of getting home without relying on your car.

"If it means taking a rickshaw ride to stop people drinking and driving then we will provide that service."