IT will be the biggest night for drinking and partying of the year, with thousands of revellers heading for the city's pubs and clubs to see in the new decade.

Party-goers are expected to hit the streets of Exeter and Exmouth en masse, with the Phoenix, Exeter City Football Club and Timepiece among the many venues hosting events to mark the end of the Noughties.

But to ensure everyone gets home safely, the Echo is urging people to remember Anna's Campaign and make arrangements in advance, whether by booking a taxi, arranging for someone to pick them up or having a designated driver among their group.

Anyone who does take on the role of driver is also being urged to make a pledge not to touch even a drop of alcohol, or try to judge whether they are safe to drive legally under the limit. Figures show that a driver who is at the limit is still 10 times more likely to be involved in a crash than someone who is completely sober.

The Echo joined forces with Exeter mum Ali Morrish three weeks ago to launch Anna's Campaign. Ali lost her 21-year-old daughter Anna in a crash involving a drink driver in 2008. The campaign has received widespread community support.

Members of the campaign's Facebook group are being asked to tell others how they plan to get home in advance so no one is tempted to get in their cars at the end of an evening's drinking.

Ali, 45, of Mount Pleasant, Exeter, said: "My message is clear — don't drink and drive. I don't want to lose people's support by sounding all saintly. I like a drink and I want people to go out and have an enjoyable time on New Year's Eve, people should make arrangements in advance.

"They should organise cabs ahead of going out and then they can really relax and enjoy themselves. It is the traditional party night of the year and I want everyone to have a great time but make sure they get home safely.

"I would also encourage people to be careful on New Year's Day. I lot of people unwittingly drive over the limit the day after. They think they are okay after a night's sleep but often they are not."

Insp Richard Pryce, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Anyone going out for New Year's Eve should make arrangements before they go out and not leave it to the last minute. They should never try to judge whether they are safe to drive.

The most important thing is to plan it in advance."

How are you planning to enjoy yourselves tonight without being tempted to drive after a drink? Let us know on the Facebook page of Anna's Campaign by clicking on the link at www.thisisexeter.co.uk/ annascampaign.