Four wanted suspects have taken up a seasonal invitation from York Police to hand themselves in before the Christmas break.

More than 40 unusual Christmas cards were delivered to alleged offenders across the city last week - asking them to give themselves up to police.

Chief Superintendent John Lacy said four people wanted in connection with harassment offences, stolen motor vehicles, drug possession and burglary had since visited Fulford Police Station.

He said the police had also received dozens of calls offering help from members of the public and relatives of wanted individuals. "Some have handed themselves in through peer pressure from families who have received the cards and are sick and tired of being spoken to by the police.

"Others have come forward voluntarily and taken up our offer to deal with them before the holiday so they can spend Christmas with their families," he said.

The card, which bears the message, "Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and hoping that we can find time for you to join us", was sent out last week as part of Operation Delivery.

The drive to improve front line performance by North Yorkshire Police has seen more than 2,800 extra arrests since it was launched in September.

Updated: 15:10 Friday, December 19, 2003