MORE than a dozen pubs are to offer free or cut-price soft drinks in a bid to ensure that their customers get home safely during the festive season.

They will encourage groups of friends to appoint a designated driver, who will stick to non-alcoholic drinks on nights out in and around Barnard Castle.

The scheme was welcomed yesterday by police, who said it should reduce drink-driving incidents and help to prevent accidents.

Licensees agreed on the effort at a meeting of the Teesdale Pubwatch group, which aims to cut down on problems including under-age drinking and rowdy behaviour.

Police Sergeant Bill Dutton said: "We are delighted about the festive offer.

"It demonstrates the responsible attitude of licensees in this area. It is designed to reduce the problem of drink-driving and encourage sensible, more socially-acceptable drinking."

Fourteen publicans agreed to take part at first, but Sgt Dutton said he expects others to agree to join in once news of the campaign spreads.

Some landlords said they will offer drivers free coffee, fruit juice or fizzy drinks from Christmas Eve until January 2, while others said they will make a nominal charge.

Sgt Dutton added: "I would encourage everyone who is socialising in Teesdale and having to travel to use this excellent scheme."

Rhona Quinn, licensee of the Commercial Hotel, in Barnard Castle, said: "I think this is a wonderful idea, and am delighted to be taking part. We will serve designated drivers free coffee or tea, and make a reduced charge for soft drinks.

"There could possibly be some chancers trying to get free drinks by pretending to be designated drivers, but that won't matter as long as the overall result is to make the roads safer over the festive season."