MORE than 20 suspected drink-drivers have been arrested in the first week of North Yorkshire Police's Christmas drink-drive campaign.

On average, the 21 drivers arrested in the first week recorded breathalyser readings of almost twice the legal drink drive limit, and one man in his sixties who was stopped in Scarborough blew more than three-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Five motorists were arrested within the first 24 hours of the campaign – three in York, one in Scarborough and one in Harrogate - and the youngest was aged 17. So far, eight have been charged and bailed to appear in front of magistrates.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton said: "Every year, we warn people not to drive after drinking or taking drugs. And at this time of year every year, intoxicated drivers end up in our cells and in the courts, where they lose their licence and are hit with heavy fines, driving bans and even prison sentences.

"So this year, we’re aiming our drink drive message at a different group of motorists – people who’d never dream of drinking and driving. We hope law-abiding motorists can help us keep the roads safe by keeping an eye on friends when they’re out and about and stopping them taking to the road if they’re under the influence. We’d also encourage them to pass on information about drink or drug drivers by calling us on 101."

*If you see someone about to drink drive, phone police on 999.