AN EDUCATION centre in West Howe has installed its own mock-up bar in a bid to help teach youngsters how to stay safe on a night out.

The charity StreetWise, which operates the centre, will officially launch the bar at the end of the month as part its NightWise project.

Alison Shelton, chief executive of StreetWise, said: “We want to prevent the bad things from happening and raise awareness in ways that people can help themselves and do it in an environment that isn’t finger wagging, intimidating or threatening.

She added: “It will build on their safer learning experiences and help them to stay safe out and about in the town from making sure not to have your drink spiked to who gives you a lift home at night and everything in between.”

The project aims to educate young people aged 16 and above about responsible drinking, drug awareness and how to keep safe at nightspots.

The Talbot Village Trust provided a £40,500 grant to help fund the bar, which is due to open its doors later this month.

Christopher Lees, chairman of the Talbot Village Trust, said: “Streetwise is an essential community asset serving Dorset and providing important life lessons to young people.

The national chain JD Whetherspoon has also given the charity £9,000 towards the cost of the project as well as providing old beer pumps and the company’s signature window stickers to give the bar extra authenticity.

Kim Newstead of Whetherspoon said: “JD Wetherspoon is proud to sponsor the NightWise project in Bournemouth and Weymouth.

“As a company, we are responsible retailers.

“We feel it is important to educate teenagers on alcohol awareness and encourage them to drink responsibly.”