The number of drink-drivers caught over the festive period rose by almost 40 per cent, Devon and Cornwall Police has said.

The annual Christmas drink-and-drugs-driving campaign, which ran in December, resulted in 216 positive breath tests compared to 157 in the same period in 2010.

Overall, the figures rose by 37.5% while tests showed particular problems with those under the age of 25. In that age group, which had been specifically targeted by the force, 72 drink-drivers were caught, compared to 44 in 2010.

Despite the increase in offences, the number of accidents in the two counties fell from 1,960 to 1,527 during the month-long campaign.

Inspector Richard Pryce corr said: “There are some mixed results from this year’s campaign. Whilst we are pleased to see the drop in the number of collisions on our roads, we are disappointed with the increase in the number of positive breath-tests.

“It is clearer now that educational campaigns in drink/drug-driving must be directed even more at the younger driver age group – we have to get our message across.

“The message continues to be clear – we will not tolerate drinking and driving.

“It is important to press home the message to never drink and drive, a message which officers continue to instil in drivers 365 days a year.”

Throughout the month, officers from across the force carried out a number of evening and early morning patrols, supported by the Special Constabulary and police community support officers.

The campaign was directed at the 25 and under-age group, after an increase in drink or drug-related crashes in recent years.

Sergeant Phillip Grigg, corr one of the force’s roads policing senior investigating officers, said: “Reducing harm amongst road users is a core police priority and every single motorist must take responsibility for their own actions behind the wheel.

“The harm caused through drink and drug driving is preventable.

“Everyone acknowledges the human cost if a crash occurs and the lethal consequences and utter devastation only become truly apparent when you’re touched by it personally.”

Those convicted of drink and drugs driving can expect to be banned for at least 12 months, receive a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.

Fatal crashes where the driver is under the influence of alcohol carry a penalty of up to ten years in prison.