A total of 48 people have been charged with drink and drive-related offences so far during Dorset Police's annual Christmas campaign.

The Force's drink and drug drive campaign - which forms part of Dorset Police's Countdown to Christmas - began on Sunday 1 December 2013 and will run until Wednesday 1 January 2014.

Between 1 December 2013 and 22 December 2013, 48 people have been charged with a drink or drug drive-related offence.

This year anyone charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence during the campaign will have their name and court appearance details released to the media.

Dorset Police is reminding motorists there will be increased patrols and road side checks throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police's Traffic Unit, said: “It's really disappointing that so many people continue to not only put their own lives at risk, but also the lives of other innocent road users.

“I have seen far too many lives lost on the roads due to drink driving. Research has shown that even one drink can impair the ability to drive so please don't get behind the wheel after drinking any alcohol at all.”