The forces of Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland are pooling their resources to co-ordinate an awareness campaign.

But officers are also telling motorists the ultimate price of a Christmas drink could be their car or their job.

During December officers from the three forces will be concentrating on routes and pubs known to be used by offenders.

'Taking risks'

Chief Inspector Neil Minto, of Northumbria Police's Motor Patrols section, said: "No one wants their loved ones injured by a drink driver.

"Most people have got the drink-drive message now, but there remains a small minority of drivers who persist in taking risks with their own lives and other people's for the sake of a drink.

"They are the people we look forward to meeting."

Police have recruited experts from the North East Air Ambulance, doctors from Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the University Hospital of Hartlepool and a barrister to help drive home the campaign.

They will take part in a launch event on Darlington on Tuesday.