Bars offer free soft drinks to designated drivers

Scores of businesses are offering buy one get one free on soft drinks for party goers planning to stay sober on a night out.

The Barley Mow in Main Road, Milford is one of the pubs running the initiative introduced by drinks giant Coca-Cola and the Government.

Bar manager Cassie Tyrrel said: "The Designated Driver campaign is a great initiative for a pub like the Barley Mow which is mostly a destination venue whereby people have to drive to us.

"The scheme therefore ensures everybody has a good time and is safe."

Other pubs taking part in the safety scheme in the county include The King's Horse in Stafford.

Now in its seventh year, 2014's Coca-Cola's Designated Driver campaign is bigger than ever with the offer available in 12,500 pubs and bars nationwide.

Venues taking part will display campaign posters and drinkers just need to show their car keys to a serving staff member to claim their buy one get one free drink.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Most people know drinking and driving is wrong and don't do it, but there are still those that take the risk.

"Anyone tempted to have a tipple at Christmas time before getting behind the wheel should know the potential consequences.

"As well as risking an accident, you risk losing your licence. If you rely on a car for work, this could mean losing your job and wreck your chance of future employment."

Staffordshire Police launched its annual blitz on drink driving at the end of last month.

The force released a hard-hitting video of a drink driver who was left with horrific injuries after crashing his car.

It tells the story of Harrison King, who after a night out, drove at speed through the centre of Uttoxeter - a ride which ended with his Ford Fiesta crashing into a house and railings, from which a metal pole crashed through his windscreen.

A severe wound to the side of his head was one of a catalogue of injuries he suffered, requiring him to be put into an induced coma.