DRINK drive arrests over the festive season have fallen by 25 per cent compared to last year, Cheshire Police announced today.

Some 134 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drink driving during Operation Blue Christmas, Cheshire’s Christmas campaign.

Police arrested 179 offenders between December 1 and January 1, including 10 in Runcorn and five in Widnes.

The oldest person arrested was an 87-year-old woman from Runcorn who failed to provide a breath test.

Supt Bev Raistrick said "It is extremely pleasing to see that the majority or motorists have heeded the warnings we have issued around the dangers of drink driving.

"However, it is also disappointing to see that despite repeated warnings there are still a small number of motorist who believe that it is acceptable to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Of the 134 people, 108 were men and 26 were women.

Officers also arrested eight people for drug driving, a 25 per cent increase on 2013.

The force conducted 3,954 breath tests during the campaign, 347 more tests than in 2013.

Supt Raistrick added: "My officers have to deal with the devastating aftermath that drink drivers leave behind on a daily basis.

“Not only are they responding to collisions, but they are also working with the families of innocent victims, who have been killed as a result of drink driving.

"Although this operation has now finished, I want to reassure the public that drink driving is an issue that we will continue to target 365 days a year."

Anyone who suspects a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101.

Alternatively information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Members of the public can also report suspected drink drivers online through the ‘report online′ forms that can be found in the ‘contact us′ section of the Cheshire Police website.