DRINK and drug drivers will see their names and photographs made public this Christmas.

North Yorkshire Police say they hope that naming and shaming convicted drink and drug drivers will deter others from carrying out the same crime.

The force said details of those found guilty of drink or drug driving would also be shared on social media to highlight how North Yorkshire Police "proactively publicise court results and identify offenders".

Sergeant Andy Morton said: "We understand that most convicted offenders would prefer us not to publish their custody photograph, name, age and the details of their driving offences.

"People’s friends, family and employers will see these details in the news and on Facebook. And people really dislike drink and drug drivers. The stigma that quite rightly surrounds it means they are likely to be shocked at the selfishness of those who have committed these offences, which may make perpetrators feel embarrassed. But that’s nothing compared to the utter devastation that drink and drug driving can cause to the lives of innocent people."

Sgt Morton said the force's ongoing campaign - which saw 44 people arrested on suspicion of drunk or drug-driving in its first 10 days - would also highlight that officers who attend serious or fatal crashes were affected by the incidents.

He said: "If you saw what I see, you’d never, ever drink and drive. So we’re urging people to consider the full range of consequences before getting behind the wheel intoxicated this Christmas.

"We’re being upfront and transparent about what could happen to you if you’re convicted. If you don’t drive while under the influence, your details will not be published. It’s that simple."

North Yorkshire Police is among several forces around the UK to be taking this step in 2018, and said the information and custody photos "can be published without the offender’s consent because they are legally defined as being of ‘public interest’".

More than 20 motorists were arrested in the first week of North Yorkshire Police’s Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. Some have already been bailed to appear at court and face driving bans, fines and possible jail sentences.

Throughout December, police will carry out stop checks on vehicles, including early mornings to detect those who are still over the limit from the night before, and urged anyone who suspects someone of drink or drink-driving to phone police immediately on 999.

North Yorkshire Police can also be contacted on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.