FIGURES released for the West Mercia region, which includes Herefordshire, reveal that one in eight motorists aged under 25 tested in December were over the drink-drive limit.

And the number of people caught drink-driving in the region has remained stable compared to the same period last year.

Police ran their Operation Christmas Presence campaign to reduce drink-driving and during this time, 166 people out of 1,501 gave a positive breath test or refused or failed to provide a test.

Sgt John Roberts, the force's casualty reduction manager, said: "Despite our many warnings over the festive period and throughout the year about not driving if you've had a drink, there are still far too many irresponsible drivers ignoring the devastating consequences that drinking and driving can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.

"Young drivers are taking the risk of combining inexperience behind the wheel with alcohol - a potentially lethal combination for them and other road users.

"Anyone who drives after they have been drinking is gambling not only with their own lives, but also with the lives of their passengers and the lives of other road users."

"Enforcing the drink driving law is a year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week activity for West Mercia Constabulary," he said.

"Our message to motorists is if you are drinking, don't drive - it really is as simple as that. Drinking and driving is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Over the coming 12 months, West Mercia will continue educational campaigns to target those most likely to drink drive.

More information about drink driving is available at www.westmercia.police.uk/crime/sins