DURHAM nightclub bosses are backing the festive campaign against drinking and driving by offering drivers free soft drinks.

Revellers who take the wheel during the Christmas period to drive their drinking friends around will not have to pay for their non-alcoholic tipple at the Caf Rock and DH1 nightclubs, in the city's North Road.

Vimac, the company which recently bought the venues from Caf Rock Ltd, is backing the national campaign to persuade motorists not to drink.

The scheme starts on Monday and general manager Steve Robson said: "People perceive soft drinks to be too expensive, and that puts them off.

"We are giving designated drivers free soft drinks to encourage people not to drink and drive.

"They will have to announce themselves at reception and we will give them a key ring that they show every time they go to the bar. It's a way for us to give something back.''

Police in the city have welcomed the scheme.

A spokesman said: "It's an excellent idea and one to be applauded, not only by the police but by the motoring public at large.

"The perils of drinking and driving are well known and widely accepted.

"Anything that potentially cuts the toll of accidents and injuries on the roads of County Durham and Darlington, particularly at this time of year, has obvious merits.''