DRINK-drivers could find themselves named and shamed by the police this Christmas.

Sergeant Mick Rookes, of Richmondshire Police, has vowed to put the names of offenders caught by him and his colleagues in Leyburn Life, a newsletter delivered free to homes in the town.

The police officer has already started using the tactic. The latest message in November's issue includes the name of a Bellerby man who was fined £396, with £50 costs and a two-year ban.

Sgt Rookes said: "It names and shames those we catch and it also reinforces the message that drink-driving wrecks lives.

"Drink-driving is now socially unacceptable and I'm going to keep using the tactic until people get the message."

The officer will also be printing taxi telephone numbers in next month's issue.

He added: "This is the season for office parties. If you are going out for the evening, decide who is going to drink and who is going to drive before you set off, or get a taxi.

"If you do get caught, you are looking at a very large fine and being disqualified for a minimum of 12 months.

"Also your insurance premiums for the next ten years will be so high, they will probably cost more than the car you are trying to insure."

Sgt Rookes got the idea for the campaign after issuing press briefings while working in the force control room.

He also uses his slot in the newsletter to warn about other crimes and acts of anti-social behaviour happening in the town.

The latest issue tells of a 'strange illness' affecting motorists in Leyburn, who try to hide that they are not wearing their seatbelt by scratching their right shoulder.

Sgt Rookes added: "Other symptoms are a quickening of the heart rate and slight sweating.

"This ailment could seriously damage your health, particularly if you were unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident."

Sgt Rookes has also issued a warning after receiving reports of parents illegally teaching their children to drive on Wensleydale roads.

He said: "All the roads in the Dales are public roads. They are not somewhere parents can take their teenage offspring on a Sunday afternoon to teach them to drive before they even hold a provisional licence."

Last month, Darlington Borough Council announced it would name and shame any youths made the subject of anti-social behaviour orders.