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Revellers who have drunk too much are to be treated on board a bus in Sunderland as part of a pilot scheme.

Over the next three months paramedics and street pastors will man the bus and help intoxicated people and anyone requiring first aid.

It is hoped the scheme will help to ease pressure on Sunderland Royal Hospital's A&E unit.

The bus, which will be near bars on Friday and Saturday nights, is being funded by police and health chiefs.

Dr Ian Pattison, chairman of NHS Sunderland clinical commissioning group, said: "A large proportion of police and NHS resources are currently devoted to people who have consumed too much alcohol.

"The bus will ensure that these individuals receive the care and support they need without the need for hospital admission."

Police will be on patrol in the city centre on Fridays and Saturdays, beginning on 14 June, helping those in trouble between 22:00 to 03:00 BST.

The scheme is funded by Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust, Northumbria Police Authority and the Safer Sunderland Partnership.

It is also backed by Sunderland City Council, the North East Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance.