A NEW character is propping up bars in pubs and restaurants to try to ensure others can safely enjoy some Christmas spirit.

Des is the latest recruit in the fight against drink-driving.

Eight pubs in Hambleton have offered to supply every designated driver, or Des, entering their premises over the festive season a free soft drink.

It is the latest initiative promoted by Hambleton Community Safety Partnership to cut the number of accidents caused by drinking and driving.

Partnership officer Tricia Thornton said: "Every year, 3,000 people are hurt or killed in drink-related accidents.

"Anyone can be Des, as long as they do not drink and get you home safely.

"We do not want to be party-poopers, we simply want to protect innocent people from drink-drivers."

So far, the Tithe Bar, in Northallerton, the Peppermill restaurant and wine bar, in Northallerton, the Standard, in Northallerton, the Wellington Heifer, in Ainderby Steeple, the Commercial, in Easingwold, the Forresters Arms, in Kilburn, the Black Swan, in Kirby, and the Buck Inn, at Great Ayton, have joined the scheme.

Any pubs wanting to join can call (01609) 767271.