OVER 280 people were caught drink driving in Lancashire during the police’s Christmas drink drive campaign.

A total of 18,964 tests were administered throughout the month of December with 274 people, or 1.4 per cent, failing the test and seven people, or 0.04 per cent, refusing to provide a specimen. This means the total number of people who failed or refused the test was 281 or 1.5 per cent.

In 2010, 13,249 tests were administered with 168, or 1.3 per cent, failing the test or refusing to provide a specimen.The annual crackdown on drink driving saw high-profile enforcement activity take place around the clock across the county.

Supt Richard Morgan said: “This year we have tested more drivers than ever as part of the campaign. We have had a huge focus on finding those responsible for flouting the law.

“The number of people caught drink driving or refusing to provide a specimen has increased this year, which is indicative of our approach to better targeting of offenders. However it does highlight that perhaps some motorists are becoming complacent and taking chances.

“We are committed to reducing the number of people injured and killed on our roads and it is worrying that there are still motorists that are getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

“The consequences of drink driving are well publicised and I can’t stress enough the importance of motorists taking note. Last year 280 people were killed across the country in accidents where the driver was over the limit. If you drink and drive you risk killing an innocent person or yourself. It is really that simple.”

In 2011, 1.7 per cent of those tested aged 25 and under failed the test. The failure rate for over 25s was 1.2 per cent mirroring a national trend which showed that the under 25 age group is more susceptible to driving after taking drink or drugs.

During the latest campaign, 2.7 per cent of under 25s tested failed or refused the test.

Supt Morgan added: “Of the 281 people that tested positive or refused to provide a specimen, 79 or 34.6 per cent, were under the age of 25. We have been working closely with this age group to educate them on the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This has included visits to colleges and universities. We will continue with this work in a bid to get the message across that drink driving is simply unacceptable.”

 Police can confirm that at 1.45pm today (Monday, January 14th) the body of a boy was found hanging from a tree in an area of Brickfield Wood, next to Worden Playing Fields at Leyland.

The body was found by Lancashire Constabulary officers involved in the search for missing Anthony Stubbs (16 years). While formal identification has yet to be carried out, the body is believed to be that of Anthony Stubbs.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage although a post mortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death. His family have been informed and specially trained officers are offering support to them. Our thoughts are with Anthony’s family and friends at this tragic time. Anthony left his home on Leyland Lane just before 1pm on Sunday 25th November 2012. He intended to go to his mother’s address at nearby Southbrook Road but never arrived.

A bungling motorist has been blasted as disrespectful for parking a car on top of a grave. Horrifed onlookers said the thoughtless driver parked a Toyota Yaris on a plot after apparently failing to find a space in time for the ceremony for the 30-year-old. They say the vehicle got lodged in the mud and had to be towed off, leaving damage to three graves and surrounding grass verges. The incident has forced the local council to consider introducing parking restrictions at the cemetery.

One eyewitness, a mourner at the funeral, said: “I couldn’t believe he was just parked there.The grave had sunk below it. It should be a lesson to others to show some respect.”

Police were contacted to assist with removal of the car in the incident but the car had been towed away by the time they arrived.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “We were made aware of it and were on the way to removed the vehicle but it had already been removed when we got there. We will be speaking to the vehicle owner.”

Fr Timothy Lispcomb, Vicar of Preston, said: “I’ve never heard anything like it.That sacred space is very important to loved ones and perhaps we need to remind ourselves every single plot belongs to someone.That last resting place means a lot and we need to show respect.”

Preston City Council can boast about the Sport and Health Development team being the best in the country, and rightly so.Achieving an incredible 99% in the 2012 Quest assessment of the service, the professionalism of the officers and innovative projects secured them top spot.

The sport and health development team deliver services throughout the community, such as the popular food co-operative, healthy eating initiatives for residents and school children, sport activities for the disabled, and support volunteering at sports clubs.