STORE bosses and council chiefs in Hartlepool have joined forces to hammer home an anti-drink drive message.

Hartlepool Borough Council is one of a number of local authorities promoting a poster campaign in partnership with Asda and North-East police forces.

The poster carries the heart-breaking comments of a young boy whose father was killed by a drunken driver.

The aim is to make people think twice about jumping in their cars and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Paul Watson, road safety officer at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "I would urge all drivers to heed the message on the poster."

Mike McNamara, deputy manager of Asda, in Hartlepool, said: "The best way to avoid a tragedy is simple. Never drink and drive."

The council aims to build on its partnership with Asda by staging regular displays and handing out leaflets in the Hartlepool store, to highlight such road safety issues as speeding, and ensuring tyres are in good condition.

It hopes to extend its campaigns to local drive-through fast food outlets.