Bus and taxi bosses are encouraging drivers to leave their cars at home during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Drinking and driving causes hundreds of deaths every year but the Christmas period brings extra risk to both pedestrians and motorists.

Jack Dunkerton, director of Brighton's Streamline Taxis, said: "There is no need for anyone to drink and drive.

"People can enjoy a good night out and take a taxi home."

Christmas is the busiest time of year for most taxi companies but bosses say there are plenty of taxi drivers ready to take people where they want to go.

Mr Dunkerton said: "We have in excess of 200 vehicles in operation over Christmas and New Year. We'll do our best to ensure people have a good time and get home safely.

"In return we ask people to treat our drivers with respect so they can also have an enjoyable Christmas."

Chris Nutley, director of Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs, said: "We fully support the Argus campaign. There is no excuse for such behaviour as there are plenty of taxis.

"If three or four of you are going out for the evening, it's a cheap and safe way to get home. Our drivers would not take the risk either - they would never drink and drive."

Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs has 160 cars in operation and is taking bookings for Christmas Day.

Revellers are also being urged to get on the buses as an alternative to relying on their own cars.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company said: "We fully support the campaign. We have added our weight to it this year by running anti-drink advertisements on the backs of buses, in conjunction with NCP car parks and Sussex Police. Research has shown it is an effective way of deterring drink driving."

The company is running a network of special late-night services during the Christmas and New Year period.

On New Year's Eve, extra services will take people to Old Steine, Brighton, for the celebrations. Buses will leave from Gloucester Place to all areas until after 2am.

Eastbourne Buses started a new late-night service for clubbers last weekend, which is hoped will provide a safer and cheaper way of getting home.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The service is running on a trial basis on Friday and Saturday nights. If successful, it will be extended."

The Argus Don't Drink and Drive campaign is run in partnership with Sussex Police, Caffyns, Brighton and Hove Council and East Sussex County Council.