DRINK and drug driving, keeping your home secure, and domestic abuse are among topics covered by a new social media advent calendar launched by North Yorkshire Police on Saturday.

The Christmas safety advent calendar has been launched on the force's social media channels.

Every day in the run-up to Christmas a new window will 'open', revealing advice on a range of topics, all aimed at keeping people and property safe and secure throughout the festive season.

Using the #TisTheSeason hashtag members of public can follow the advent calendar, which runs from until New Year’s Day 2019, which will also cover how to plan in case an emergency disrupts your Christmas plans, online shopping and safety, and protecting yourself from fraudsters.

Some of the messages covered include:

* domestic abuse and what you can do if you have concerns about your partner;

* child sexual exploitation and advice about children and smart phones;

* hate crime, stalking and harassment and what you can do to report them;

* counter terrorism and how to play your part in helping to tackle these;

* local policing and what the force's neighbourhood police teams are doing to protect communities and local businesses through the festive period.

Road safety, emergency planning and fraud will also be covered by the festive campaign.

Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “Our #TisTheSeason advent calendar is a fun way for North Yorkshire Police to get across some very important messages to help protect our loved ones and keep our communities safe and secure at Christmas time.

“Our dedicated team of officers and volunteers will be working throughout the festive period to provide assistance and support to those who need it."

Julia Mulligan, elected Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire: said “For most of us, Christmas is a welcome opportunity to slow down and spend time with our loved ones. But for others it is not so simple, and we often take it for granted, but the police are there 24/7, 365 days a year, protecting us from harm and offering a helping hand.

“#TisTheSeason provides a timely reminder to all of us as what we can do to look our for ourselves, our families and our neighbours.

To view the calendar follow the #TisTheSeason hashtag on the force’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.