THE force responsible for policing in Worcestershire has reported an 'encouraging low' in the number of people caught drink-driving over the Christmas period.

West Mercia Police report 209 people either refused to give a test or tested positive after being breath tested over December 2015 with an additional 84 people failing within Warwickshire.

This was around three per cent of the total number of people breathalysed across December - the same percentage of those failing or refusing tests last year.

An additional 107 people in West Mercia and 26 people in Warwickshire also failed the new roadside drugs test as part of the campaign.

The 2015 Christmas period was the first since new drug drive laws were introduced. The laws set legal limits for drivers for blood levels of drugs - both illegal and prescription.

A campaign was launched by the force before Christmas in an attempt to stop drink and drug drivers. 

Figures also show that over the past three years, 10 people were killed and 108 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

An additional four people were killed and 74 seriously injured in Warwickshire.

Superintendent Daryn Elton for West Mercia Police said: "The percentage of those motorists testing positive for alcohol is low and this is encouraging, showing that the message is getting through.

"However there are still irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk drinking and driving, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.

"I welcome that we now also have both the testing ability and legislation in place to tackle those people who think it's acceptable to drive under the influence of drugs and this will form an important part of our policing into 2016.

"Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a year round commitment for both forces and this remains a priority for us throughout 2016."