Police today described a hardcore of motorists who still drink and drive as "selfish and dangerous".

The comments came as Sussex drink-drive figures for the Christmas period showed a percentage increase in the number of positive breath tests.

Seven per cent of motorists tested after crashes during the holiday were over the drink limit and six per cent of drivers stop-checked gave positive breath tests or refused to be tested.

A total of 185 drivers were checked after collisions, resulting in 13 positives compared to last year's 164 tests with 16 positives.

There were 391 other drivers breathalysed with 24 positives, compared to last year's 413 with 35 positives.

The increase is worrying Sussex Police who believe most motorists today consider drink-driving as socially unacceptable.

Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, head of the Sussex Police Road Policing Department, said: "I am concerned there is still a small hardcore of drivers who are willing to risk everything and continue to drink and drive.

"This is a very selfish and dangerous attitude which, in the light of publicity, causes me concern."

Sussex Police for several years have not run publicity campaigns prior to Christmas and have relied on national advertising to put across the holiday message.

A force spokesman said: "We know that a sizeable percentage of accidents are drink-related and these happen throughout the year.

"What some drivers don't realise is that drink-driving can not only cost the lives of innocent people but could ruin theirs."

The spokesman said there were no specific police initiatives at Christmas that were not applied all year.

Mr Wilkinson warned the force was permanently cracking down on drink-drivers and the campaign would continue throughout the new year.

He said: "Our campaign runs 365 days a year and not just at Christmas."