MORE than 80 people were injured in road accidents in Bolton over Christmas and New Year.

Figures excluding the final week of this year's campaign have revealed that 72 people were injured. Police expect the number to have reached 84 by the time the final figures are compiled.

In the same festive period last year, 86 people were hurt in accidents.

Sgt Barry Fairclough, of Bolton police traffic unit, is pleased that the number of people injured on the roads this year is slightly less than last year.

But he remains appalled that the number of drink drivers caught increased by more than 50 per cent on last year.

Sixty-eight people tested positive for drink driving during this year's police campaign to catch offenders, compared to 44 who were arrested in the same period a year ago.

Sgt Fairclough said: "It is a bad reflection on Bolton."