A POLICE force joined with the fire service yesterday to launch its Christmas anti drink-driving campaign.

Officers from North Yorkshire are planning roadside checks every day across the county, while firefighters are going on the road with the mangled wreckage of a crashed car.

Yesterday, Superintendent Kevin Doyle said checks would take place at any time.

He said: "We see no reason why people should be killed, injured or have their lives ruined by those who drink and drive.

"As well as surprise checks, we will operate extra patrols, and we guarantee that every driver involved in a crash will be breathalysed and every driver stopped for a motoring offence will also be tested."

Firefighters will tour the county with a hard-hitting roadshow, which includes the remains of a crashed car.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Chris Anderson said: "The message could not be simpler -this is the indisputable consequence of drinking and driving.

"My officers will be there to tell drivers just what it is like to have to deal with a horrific road accident, and they will not pull punches."

Police have also backed a campaign to cut drug-driving.

Supt Doyle said: "A drugged driver is just as lethal as a one who has been drinking. In both cases, we believe firm action is the way to deal with them."

Cleveland Police's anti drink-drive campaign was launched yesterday with the stark warning that offenders will be tracked down and arrested.

Inspector Eric Robinson, head of road policing and chairman of the Cleveland casualty reduction group, said police would not wait for someone to be killed by a drunk driver before taking action.

Durham Police will launch their anti drink-drive campaign tomorrow.