Roads in the North East could be a lot safer this Christmas - thanks to the Evening Chronicle.

Twenty-six pubs have given their backing to the paper's anti-drink-drive campaign which calls for designated drivers to be given free soft drinks.

The latest signature for the Be A Softie This Christmas campaign has come from the John Barras chain of pubs.

Support has also come from the Portman Group, which runs an annual I'll Be Des campaign - Des being short for designated driver.

Andy Portman, the group's Des campaign co-ordinator, said: "We congratulate the Evening Chronicle on the successful launch of its campaign and are delighted that it is being linked with our initiative.

"Even just one drink can affect your driving performance."

Under the newspaper scheme, designated drivers are given free soft drinks between 5pm and 9pm. They must show their car keys and be accompanied by at least two passengers.

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