A HEARSE is one of the sobering features being used by West Mercia police to highlight its Christmas drink-driving campaign.

The initiative includes high-profile road checks to cut death and injury during the festive season.

At the force's Hindlip Hall HQ, near Worcester, a bus, taxi, police car, an ambulance and hearse were lined up as campaigners posed the question to drinkers: "Who's taking you home?"

Police are also promoting the "I'll Be Des" campaign, to encourage people to nominate a friend to be a designated driver, who will not drink alcohol during celebrations.

Drivers who were pulled over on Droitwich Road yesterday seemed happy to have their tyres, lights and details checked in conjunction with the drink-driving crackdown.

One vehicle owner who was found to have loose wheel nuts on his van was pleased police had stopped him and discovered the problem.

"I think the safety check is a great idea, and I'm pleased the problem has been identified," he said.

"I've got to take the car into a garage, which could be expensive, but if it had not been spotted things could have been far worse."

Insp Tony Fisher said he was encouraged by the positive reaction of motorists.

"The problem of drink-driving is a year-round issue, but it is particularly bad for families who lose loved ones to drunk drivers close to Christmas," he said.

"We're also checking the overall condition of the cars we stop to prevent the chances of accidents in the future."