A temporary alcohol recovery centre opened in Kingston over the Christmas period has been hailed as a "huge success".

But hopes that the facility could be made a permanent fixture have been dashed.

More than 350 drinkers attended the Safe and Sound recovery centre, which opened at the Everyday Church in Union Street during the festivities.

Kingston police chief inspector Gary Taylor said: "Having dedicated ambulance staff locally based ensured police officers were able to focus efforts on public safety and crime prevention, instead of spending time with drunks waiting for ambulances.

"We would welcome this facility on a permanent basis."

The pilot scheme was run by London Ambulance in partnership with Kingston Street Pastors, Kingston Council, Valiant Security and town centre managers Kingstonfirst.

Paramedic Kier MacLean, said: "The trial has been a huge multi-agency success.

"We looked after 64 patients suffering from the effects of too much alcohol, therefore helping to free up beds in the local emergency department.

"The trial also meant that 45 ambulance callouts to alcohol related incidents were not needed, allowing them to attend other patients that required their assistance."

Pastor Akhtar Shah said: "It’s been a privilege to welcome such a diverse group of people each night - students, local residents, Kingston workers and homeless people - all hanging out together in God's house. It doesn't get much better than that."

Ros Morgan, chief executive at Kingstonfirst, called the results a "shining example of what can be achieved when agencies work together".

But asked this week if the Safe and Sound centre could return on a permanent basis, an ambulance spokesman said: "At the moment, there are no plans to operate a alcohol recovery centre year-round in London."