POLICE are teaming up with a garage to add safety-themed fun to North Yorkshire's Christmas celebrations.

Officers will join forces with Ray Chapman Motors, of Malton, and town centre manager Mick Gains to provide an addition to the Malton and Norton Christmas Extravaganza.

The Ray Chapman Volvo Winter Spectacular, on Sunday, will run from 11am to 4pm, and as well as being fun will have a strong emphasis on safety, the dangers of drink-driving and winter driving skills.

Dealer principal Duncan Chapman said: "We were approached by Mick Gains in the autumn and invited to stage a family event as part of the Christmas Extravaganza programme.

"This presented us with an opportunity to give something back by creating an exciting day with a serious message."

Activities will include a display of police cars, a drink-driving promotional campaign, the chance to have a go on a brake reaction tester and display from North Yorkshire road safety department.

There will be two police drivers on hand to take drivers over a course to point out winter driving dangers and improve their skills.

The fire service will provide a demonstration on removing casualties from a damaged vehicle, and Chapmans will be offering free winter checks on all visitors' cars.

Mr Gains, a former police officer, said: "This will be a real quality event with something for everyone and it is good to see one of the out-of-town garages helping to attract customers and visitors into Malton and Norton.

"There will be a wide range of shops open on the day, free parking in the town and Santa's grotto at Safeway."