The number of drivers caught drink-driving in Sussex over Christmas and New Year is up on last year, new figures reveal today.

Sussex Police is one of the few forces in England and Wales to show an increase in the number of people testing positive after roadside breath tests.

Officers in the county carried out 413 tests over the festive season and 35 proved positive - three per cent up on last year.

Of the tests, 164 were taken directly after crashes. Sixteen proved positive, up five per cent on last year.

Sixty-five people were treated for injuries as the result of those accidents.

But despite the higher overall figures there was a drop of 20 per cent in the number of accidents caused by drink drivers.

Sussex, like other forces, has a policy of breath testing all drivers involved in any accident, however small.

Figures showing some drivers in Sussex were not heeding the "don't drink and drive" message disappointed senior officers.

Chief Inspector Ian Jeffery, head of the road policing unit, said: "I'm very concerned there is still a small hard core of motorists who are willing to risk everything by continuing to drink and drive.

"This is a very selfish and dangerous attitude. I would remind motorists that the drink-driving campaign in Sussex is an all-year-round commitment and is not just there at Christmas."