NEARLY 500 motorists were arrested for drink-driving in Greater Manchester during the Christmas and New Year period.

A total of 479 people were detained between December 2 and January 4 -- an increase of six per cent on the same period last year.

Officers carried out 3,736 breath tests throughout the festive season, 25 per cent more than the previous year.

In Bolton, 68 drivers failed a breath test over Christmas, representing a massive increase of 54 per cent.

Inspector Brian Wood, GMP's Force Road Safety Officer, said: "This increase shows GMP's continued, strong commitment to tackling drink-driving, and we will be continuing to apprehend offenders throughout the year. The arrest of 479 drink drivers has meant that hundreds of families may have been saved from tragedy over the Christmas period."

The total number of injury collisions throughout the Christmas period was 737, resulting in 1,025 breath tests being conducted, 83 of which resulted in the arrest of a drink drive offender.

Inspector Wood added: "Unfortunately we have had an increase in collisions over the festive season compared to last year. However, as a result of these collisions, there have been fewer arrests made for drink driving in comparison to the same period last year.

"We hope that this means the message is getting across. We look forward to a new year where people really do Think! and Don't Drink and Drive."