YOUNG men aren't listening to drink-drive warnings, say police, after one in eight drivers were found drunk at the wheel this Christmas.

And the problem will only get worse as more youngsters learn to drive, superintendent Mick Doyle has warned.

Figures published on Monday revealed that this year 251 of 1,926 drivers stopped, failed the breath test compared to 202 of 2,290 drivers the previous year. Thames Valley Police said it was the first time in four years the figures for Bucks had gone up.

Supt Doyle said: "I am very disappointed by the rise in this year's figures. It seems the message is not getting through to some drivers who insist on risking their own lives, as well as those of other innocent road users."

The most common excuse officers heard was: "I've only had the one drink so I thought it was ok," or "I thought I could get away with a couple."

But he said: "This is not a game of roulette or the lottery.

"It depends on how strong the drink was and how large it was and how often the person drinks. It's almost impossible to calculate accurately and there is a trend for pubs and restaurants to serve larger and stronger measures."

Supt Doyle warned people could still be over the limit the day after a "bender".

He said: "People who go home after they have had a complete skinful could be over the limit for hours to come. They wake up in the morning and think its ok to drive."

He added: "We need the help of the public to put pressure on those who insist on putting others in danger by continuing to drink and drive."

Supt Doyle said the problem was worst among young men aged between 17 and 25. He said: "If young people aren't getting the message, things are only going to get worse as more youngsters learn to drive."

During the month long campaign 26 drivers from Bucks were involved in crashes and tested positive or refused a breathalyser test say police. That is more than any other area in the Thames Valley.

Every year 600 people die as a direct result of drink driving.

He said: "People who want to drive should not drink or take drugs and take risks with people's lives.

"Those who don't want to listen should take note of the amount of people that have been caught. They lose their licence for at least 12 months, they could have to pay a £5,000 fine and go to prison for six months. And for many people who drink and drive they will lose their job as well."

"Roadside breath tests are carried out throughout the year and not just at Christmas."

* Call police on 08458 505 505 to shop a drink driver.