CHRISTMAS shoppers will be shown a graphic illustration of the tragic results of drink-driving with the launch of a new campaign.

The community safety partnership in Hambleton will stage simulated car crashes in high streets and market places throughout the district during the festive period.

Northallerton, Thirsk, Stokesley, Bedale and Easingwold will be targeted with roadshows taking place at busy shopping times.

Drink-drivers account for one in every ten arrests in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Nationally, more than 560 people were killed and 2,800 seriously injured as a result of drink-related incidents last year.

Simon Gibson, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said the aim of the campaign was to shock people into realising the consequences of drinking and driving.

He said: "We hope that by simulating this car crash, people will take note of just how destructive drinking and driving can be.

"Not drinking and driving is important all year round but at Christmastime, people are often tempted into having a drink they would not normally have, without thinking of the consequences.

"It is impossible to calculate your own alcohol limit, so we urge people not to try.

"We hope this campaign will shock people into realising what can happen.

"We don't want to spoil the fun, we want everyone to enjoy the festive season in the safety of their own homes surrounded by family, not in a hospital bed or in grief."

The roadshows will take place in Bedale from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, December 4, Thirsk, from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, December 5, Stokesley, from 10am to 5pm, on Friday, December 10, Northallerton, from noon to 3pm, on Sunday, December 12 and Easingwold from noon to 3pm on Saturday, December 18.

The campaign brings together officers from North Yorkshire Police, the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service, North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton District Council.