POLICE have reported a reduction in the number of drink drive arrests by almost 20 per cent as the month-long drink drive campaign comes to an end.

However drivers under 25 still failed to heed warnings not to drink and drive in the run up to Christmas and put themselves and other motorists at risk.

A total of 216 drivers were found to be driving with excess alcohol after a month of Avon and Somerset Police's drink drive crackdown.

Last year 260 drivers were arrested over the same period.

The campaign has seen approximately 2,000 drivers stopped across the force area per week.

In Bristol 68 motorists were arrested, 29 in South Gloucestershire, 28 in Bath and North East Somerset, 34 in North Somerset, 33 in Somerset West and 24 in Somerset East.

Those arrested now face a criminal record, a 12 month minimum driving ban and 11 year wait for a clean licence.

At the launch of this year's campaign police predicted that young drivers would make up the bulk of drink drive offenders and the release of today's figures proves just that with 78 being aged under 25 - equating to over a third (36 per cent).

Police are urging people to report drink drivers by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Last year officers were able to make further arrests after acting on intelligence from concerned members of the public who witnessed people getting behind the wheel in an unfit state.

Superintendent Andy Pullan, in charge of the force's Road Policing Unit, said: "We are pleased to see that our warnings against drink driving are reflected in the reduction of arrests this year.

"There were also no fatal collisions involving drivers who had been drinking over the Christmas period - another sign that the message is getting through.

"However I would like to remind drivers that the message of not drinking and driving applies all year, not just at Christmas.

"It is very important that the public do their bit by telling us about people they suspect regularly or intend to drink and drive."