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Greater Manchester Police launched their think before you drink warning to coincide with the national advertising campaign featuring a series of images of road accidents and the slogan: One Christmas tradition we can do without.

The Manchester campaign was launched at the Thompson Street Fire Station off Rochdale Road where crews are regularly called out to help free accident victims and clear debris in the aftermath.

National drink/drive casualty figures have halved since 1989. Casualties on Manchester roads during 1999 resulted in 23 people being killed and 3,678 injured in road traffic accidents, some of which involved drunken drivers.

Manchester City Council's transport spokeswoman Councillor Val Stevens hoped all party-goers would heed the advice this season.

She said: "This Christmas, think before you drink and make drink driving one tradition you do without. If you are going to drink alcohol over the festive season, then don't risk tragedy to yourself, your family or others by driving afterwards."