BREATH-TEST checkpoints will be set-up to catch drink drivers during the World Cup, police warned yesterday.

At least one spot-check will be carried out every day during North Yorkshire Police's latest month-long drink drive crackdown.

Every car driver or motorcycle rider involved in an accident or stopped for a traffic offence will be breathalised, police chiefs also warned

Launching the campaign, which starts today, Inspector Chris Charlton, road policing chief, said: "We will not tolerate drink-driving in this county and we won't accept any excuses - and that includes both celebrating or mourning World Cup results.

"By and large, North Yorkshire residents have taken the extended drinking hours very maturely and responsibly, and I believe this will continue throughout the summer.

"But sadly, there remains a small hard core of arrogant idiots who believe they can combine alcohol and driving, despite all the horrific evidence to the contrary.

"Every summer, North Yorkshire officers have to deal with the reality of drink-driving accidents and we don't like it.

"Still less do we like the job of knocking on someone's door with the news that a loved member of their family won't be coming home."

Extra officers will patrol roads during the campaign.

Insp Charlton said: "We will concentrate on roads and areas that our research and analysis show are most likely to produce drink-drivers.

"But we may set up checks anywhere - and at any time. I guarantee there will be at least one check every day."

Insp Charlton said that the designated driver scheme was just as relevant in summer as during the Christmas holidays.

"One member of a party is designated as driver and the others provide them with free soft drinks throughout the evening," he said.

"That approach is just as relevant for summer garden parties or barbecues as it is for Christmas celebrations, and it is a proven life-saver."

Nationally, more than 500 people die and 2,000 are seriously injured on the country's roads in alcohol-related collisions every year.