ENJOY a Christmas drink but don't spoil the fun for others or yourself.

That's the seasonal message from Dorchester Crime Prevention Panel as it launches a new campaign - Christmas Cheers - to encourage a merry time, not a drunken one.

Chairman Jon Halewood said it is too easy for people to become a victim of alcohol.

He said: "Excessive drink is one of biggest causes of low-level crime over the Christmas period.

"It emerged through talks with the police and the licensing department of West Dorset District Council that people drink more than usual at Christmas and they can't cope with it.

"Drunks are not attractive and nobody wants to be affected by nuisance behaviour.

"But people also make problems for themselves. They might still be over the limit the next morning and not realise and then drive to work.

"We're not being spoilsports - we're just saying think ahead. Make plans before going out drinking."

The panel has produced an advice leaflet that they will be distributing in Dorchester on Saturday morning.

Panel members will have the police community support vehicle at the Town Pump in Cornhill from 10.30am to hand out leaflets and talk to shoppers.

Mr Halewood said: "The purpose of this campaign is to give people a few simple tips they can follow to help prevent them becoming victims and reduce the chances of them causing problems for others."

The leaflet advises people to book a taxi before going out rather than trying to find a cab late at night or to nominate a driver for the night.

Mr Halewood said many are good about not drinking and driving the same evening, but can fall into the trap of driving the next morning while still over the limit.

He said: "It could be sensible to book a taxi the next morning rather than driving to work."