The Star is committed to publicising as many court cases as possible involving those found drunk behind the wheel over the festive period.

For the past 20 years our annual Christmas anti drink-drive campaign has run in tandem with Suffolk Constabulary’s attempt to purge Suffolk’s roads of the scourge of drivers who are over the limit.

According to the force’s figures up to the beginning of November, 539 suspected drink-drivers have already been arrested this year.

During last December, more than four people a day were caught driving while over the limit.

In Suffolk 1,980 people were stopped and breath tested of which 138 were found to be positive. It equated to 7% of the tests carried out, which on average was slightly more than four people (4.31) caught every day in Suffolk during the crackdown.

A total of 58 of 415 breath tests carried out following collisions came back as positive, which equated to nearly 14%. This was up from 6.6% in the 2012 campaign.

Once again the figures prove that a small, but significant minority, believe it is acceptable to put others and themselves in danger.

In addition the culprits often gamble with their livelihoods which depend on their licence, and ignore the potential financial impact on their families.

The Star’s editor Terry Hunt said: “We believe highlighting these court cases provides a vital public service and goes some way towards making people think again about the dangers of drinking and driving.

“Unfortunately the message has yet to get through to a hardcore minority who still feel they are willing to risk everything and put others in danger.

“Our message is clear. If you are caught drinking and driving between December 1 and January 1 we will actively seek to cover your court case.”

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing Unit, said: “We’re pleased to support the Star’s campaign which gives us the opportunity to reinforce the message that drink-driving simply isn’t worth the risk.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgement, making your reactions slower, therefore increasing the chance of being involved in a collision.

“Thousands of drivers are stopped in Suffolk every year during our seasonal campaign and motorists gambling with their lives face a real risk of being caught by police and getting a criminal record.

“We work all year round with our Suffolk Roadsafe partners to make our roads safer and prevent more people from being killed or seriously injured and this campaign should serve as a reminder to not only not drink and drive but to take more care when driving and ensure your car is roadworthy.”