POLICE have unveiled a 6ft snowball to symbolise the effects of drink driving can have.

The giant snowball is being transported around the country as part of the Think! Drink driving campaign and arrived in Middlesbrough today (Thursday, December 12).

A Department of Transport survey showed a fifth of people in the North-East said they would lose their job if convicted of drink driving because they drive as part of their job.

Almost a third (29 per cent) would also be forced to give up their job because they rely on a car to get to work.

Any employer can ask to see unspent criminal convictions and research shows that three-quarters of employers admit to taking a criminal conviction into account during the recruitment process.

The snowball symbolises how one small decision to drink and drive can end up with major implications for your life and family.

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean White said: “There seems to be an air of arrogance about people who drink alcohol and get behind the wheel, thinking that they won’t get caught.

"The penny only drops when they are being booked into custody and it suddenly dawns on them that there are implications for their job, income and future.

“Then there’s the court appearances and having to face the family of someone that’s been injured or killed in an alcohol-fuelled collision. It’s just not worth it.

"We are happy to support the Think! campaign, with the strong message that if you want to enjoy alcohol then leave the car at home.”