DRINK driving figures released by Cumbria police show that 64 people were arrested over the Christmas period.

There were 193 collisions at which tests were administered during the December campaign.

Of these only five drivers tested positive for excess alcohol.

Fifty-two motorists were arrested after being stopped by police because of concerns about their standard of driving.

A further seven were arrested for refusing to provide a specimen.

Of the 64, nine arrests came from tip-offs from almost 20 calls from members of the public, encouraged by police to report persistent drink drivers.

Sergeant Tim Ward, of Cumbria Constabulary's traffic department, said: "The vast majority of people seem to have got the message about driving and drinking.

However, there is a small minority who continue to flout the law and we will vigorously pursue these people throughout the year."