MORE people are to be encouraged to volunteer to be the 'designated driver' as part of a crackdown on drink-drivers launched tomorrow.

Halton Borough Council's road safety unit teams up with Cheshire Police's Halton traffic division for the campaign launch at the Church View Inn in Farnworth, Widnes.

As part of the campaign, posters and leaflets will be available in pubs, clubs and businesses to warn drivers of the devastating consequences of drinking and driving.

Publicans are being asked to promote the 'I'll be Des' campaign to encourage people to nominate nondrinking drivers.

Cllr Rob Polhill, the council's executive board member for transport, said: 'At Christmas people like to go out and celebrate and we are not trying to dampen spirits.

'Drink-driving can be fatal, not only for the person that chooses to do it but also for those innocent victims of their reckless behaviour.'

Ian Edwards, deputy manager of the Church View Inn, said: 'We are happy to support this year's anti-drink-driving campaign and help to make Christmas a happy and memorable one for the right reasons.'

Sgt Yvonne Williams of Cheshire police said: 'Apart from the obvious dangers linked to drink-driving it is a criminal offence which carries a possible prison sentence and an obligatory disqualification from driving. Don't start 2005 on a sour note.'