In all, nearly 9.5% of drivers stopped by police during the festive anti-drink drive campaign were over the limit, up from just over 6% for last year.

Leicestershire Police said they were "very disappointed" so many drivers had ignored their safety message.

Police hoped the number of drivers that were caught would act as a deterrent.

It is very disappointing that so many drivers ignored our warnings Police spokesman

A total of 142 drivers provided a positive breath test out of the 1,497 drivers stopped and breathalysed by officers during the Christmas Drink and Drug Drive Campaign, from 1 December to 1 January, a rate of 9.49%.

That is a rise of 55% over the same period last year, when 203 drivers provided a reading that was over the limit out of 3,306 who were breathalysed, a rate of 6.14%.

"It is very disappointing that so many drivers ignored our warnings and got behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs," said Sgt Stafford from the force Road Policing Unit.

"This year we have noticed an increase in the number of younger drivers under the age of 25, especially men, who are willing to risk losing their licence, their livelihood and possibly their freedom with a drink drive conviction.

"I hope these 142 motorists who have been caught this Christmas will act as a deterrent to others who think they can drink and drive and get away with it."