ALMOST seven per cent of motorists breathalysed by Durham Police over the Christmas period were drink-driving.

In total, 947 drivers were stopped and tested. Sixty-five were arrested after failing, or refusing to do, the tests when stopped by officers between December 18 and January 2.

The percentage of drivers caught drink-driving this year, 6.7 per cent, is almost double last year, when 86 out of 2,338, 3.7 per cent, were caught out.

Chief Inspector Paul Goundry, head of road policing, said: "It is still too early to draw any definite conclusions as not all the relevant paperwork is in at this stage.

"The number of tests carried out varies from year to year so direct comparisons between the annual campaigns are difficult to make but it seems we always have a certain percentage of motorists who fail to listen and insist on getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

"In the meantime, we will continue to work with our partners to put the message across that drinking and driving is an issue police take seriously all year round, not just over the Christmas period."

Yesterday, The Northern Echo reported how North Yorkshire Police made 90 arrests in its drink drive campaign, which ran from December 13 to January 2.

The percentage of people caught out this year, 7.3 per cent, had risen considerably compared to last year, 4.7 per cent.

Officers breathalysed every motorist involved in a collision as well as operating 70 static checks and extra patrols.

In total 1,231 drivers were tested after collisions, after committing moving traffic offences or when officers suspected they were drink-driving.

A further 105 drivers were tested after 79 accidents in which someone was hurt.

Cleveland Police will release its drink-drive figures in the next few days.