Those who get a tad too merry this evening may well end up counting in the New Year inside a high street's latest addition — a 'drunk tank'.

St John Ambulance thinks setting up the temporary facility, officially known as a safe refuge, in Rochester is the best way to manage inebriated revellers who may otherwise be sent to Medway Maritime Hospital.

Giving the intoxicated a safe space to sober up will take the pressure off the site's new Emergency Department, which is set to be very busy.

Spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service Janine Compton said: "Our local crews are aware and can take people in there if needed."

St John Ambulance has been approached for comment.

The news comes days after it was announced NHS England was making £300,000 available to councils, charities and voluntary organisations across the country to set up the facilities over the festive period.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: “I have seen first-hand while out with ambulance crews in the run-up to last Christmas the problems that drunk and often aggressive people cause paramedics and A&E staff who just want to help those who need it most.

“NHS does not stand for ‘National Hangover Service’ which is why we want to help other organisations take care of those who just need somewhere safe to get checked over and perhaps sleep it off."

Statistics show 12% to 15% of attendances at emergency departments are booze related, with Friday and Saturday nights seeing that figure rocket to as many as 70%.