There has been a big rise in the number of drivers caught over the alcohol limit on Sussex roads.

Figures released yesterday show more than 2,380 motorists gave positive breath tests between January and November, 400 more than the same period last year.

Police are worried their efforts to bring down the number of drink-related accidents are being undermined by drivers who think they can get away with it.

Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, head of the Sussex Police road policing unit, warned: "They can think again. We are determined. If you drink and drive, you will be caught."

The force is about to launch a Christmas drink-drive crackdown.

It has already been conducting 15 operations a day throughout the county since December 1.

In the first five days, 130 drivers, including motorists involved in accidents, were checked and 15 gave positive breath tests.

One operation, in Maresfield, caught a drink-driver at 10am - eight hours after his last drink.

Mr Wilkinson said he was concerned by the overall increase in drink-drive prosecutions but said much of the rise was due to increased police activity on the roads.

Operation Roller focuses on all types of antisocial driving including speeding, "undertaking" and drink-driving.

Sussex Police have also launched a hard-hitting Christmas radio advertising campaign involving carol singers and a knock at the door by a police officer bringing bad news.

Mr Wilkinson said this type of call was among the most difficult jobs police officers faced.

He said: "If every driver could see the devastation caused by a drink-drive conviction or, worse, by a death caused by drink-driving, then I would like to think it would become a thing of the past.

"Don't gamble on having just the odd drink and think you'll get away with it.

"Our advice is don't have any alcohol at all if you plan to drive."