Motorists in Cumbria are being reminded not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs ahead of a packed calendar of summer events.

June will see a number of local events happening across the county as well as the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Officers from Cumbria Constabulary???s Operational Support Unit expect that the county???s pubs and clubs will be filled with football fans watching the tournament with friends and family and are urging those who do enjoy it with a drink, to leave the driving to someone who is sober.

Sergeant Paul Brown said: "With events such as the Appleby Horse Fair and the World Cup occurring during the month, as a force, we are expecting to see a large number of people going out and enjoying themselves.

"We urge those who do this to act responsibly and not get behind a wheel after consuming alcohol.

"We will also target young drivers as statistically they are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

"A person under the influence of alcohol cannot control a vehicle responsibly and safely. Drinking alcohol can severely impact reaction time as well as impair your co-ordination.

"Our aim is to prevent danger to road users and with the assistance from members of the public we can take action more effectively.

"Prevention is definitely best when it comes reducing the risk to people???s lives that drink and drugs present. If we can stop a driver before they kill or seriously injure someone, then it???s better for all concerned.

"We will be treating such calls as an emergency as lives could be at stake and we hope that the public will be responsible with their assistance.???

Last year???s summer campaign saw a 1,636 breath tests conducted with 52 people arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs ??? three per cent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test.

310 tests followed traffic collisions and 16 of the drivers were found to have been over the legal limit.

The number who were tested and under 25 years of age was 252, with 11 of those either being over the limit or failing to provide a test.

This year???s campaign will also see the continuation of the force???s appeal to members of the public to contact police to report people they suspect may be driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs