In the first 10 days of a police crackdown on drink and drug driving, 54 people have been arrested.

Dorset Police launched their their annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign on December 1.

Officers of the Alliance Roads Policing and No Excuse teams have been requesting breath tests from all drivers involved in collisions, irrespective of whether they suspect a drink-driving offence.

Drugwipe sample kits, which provide an instant result at the roadside, have also been used on drivers suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs.

Just 10 days into the campaign Dorset Police has now revealed 54 people have already been arrested for drink and drug driving.

Inspector Joe Pardey, head of the Alliance Roads Policing team in Dorset, said: "In the first 10 days of our campaign I am very disappointed to tell you that 54 people have been arrested in Dorset for drink or drug driving related offences.

"Despite the fact that driving under the influence of drink or drugs is selfish, dangerous and unacceptable at all levels of society, there are still those who continue to put lives at risk."

He urged residents to support Dorset Police to help them catch drivers who were putting others at risk of serious harm.

Police are advising drivers they do not need to be drunk to be a drink-driver this Christmas.

Drivers are warned not to risk it if they have had even one drink or have taken drugs.

A spokesman for Dorset Police Traffic Unit said: "Our advice is simple. Plan ahead, leave the car at home and use a taxi, public transport or designated driver to get home."

If you are concerned about someone drinking or using drugs and driving and it is going to happen immediately, call 999 otherwise please call 101 or e-mail 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.