John Kyrle High School was a hive of activity on Friday evening as they held their Winter Fayre to try to boost school funds. There were lots of lovely items for sale, as well as many competitions to take part in.

WNTV News went along to see how it was all going and Jack, Olley and Rob explained the rules of the games.

West Mercia Constabulary is promising a hard hitting offensive against motorists who drive under the influence of drink and drugs this Christmas and New Year.

As part of Operation Christmas Presence, the force will be putting on extra patrols to target the irresponsible drivers who make the dangerous decision to drink or take drugs and then drive over the festive season.

Last Christmas, 222 people across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire were arrested after failing a breath test or refusing to give one. Thirty nine people were arrested after roadside field impairment tests proved they had been taking drugs.

Sergeant John Roberts, the force's casualty reduction manager, said, 'Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then drive is a year round commitment for West Mercia. However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after taking drugs or drinking. To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drink or drug driving.

Taking drugs or drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel is totally deplorable and irresponsible behaviour that ruins hundreds of lives every year. The message is very simple; if you're going out drinking with friends this Christmas, don't drive and if you are driving don't drink.

Taking illegal drugs is against the law, but when you combine drugs with driving you become a crash waiting to happen. Don't take the risk, it's simply not worth it. Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences.

Getting behind the wheel after you've been drinking or taking drugs can have fatal consequences. Alcohol and drugs both affect your ability to judge speed and distances accurately and slow down your reaction time. It is impossible to get either out of your system quickly, so trying to sober up by drinking coffee or having a shower wont' work. If you are tempted to drive under the influence of drink or drugs this Christmas then spare a thought for your family and friends and think hard about what you will put them through if you are badly hurt or killed in a crash.'

If you are convicted of a drink driving offence you:

· Will have a criminal record
· Will lose your licence for at least 12 months
· Could face a maximum fine of £5000
· Could spend up to six months in prison
· Will see your car insurance rise steeply when you get your licence back.

Sergeant John Roberts added, 'The message from West Mercia Constabulary to anyone who contemplates getting behind the wheel after a few festive drinks is simple. Don't do it! Get a taxi, arrange to be picked up or choose a designated driver before you go out. Don't risk killing yourself and others. Take responsibility for your own actions and don't let a moment of madness ruin your Christmas or your life.'

West Mercia Constabulary is also part of the Safer Roads Partnership and is supporting 'The End', a regional campaign to put an end to drink and drug driving in West Mercia, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

In last week's 'MSETI' article, I mentioned that I would be covering more of the Christmas houses in this issue of the news. Well, I was not really sure where to photograph next but on Friday, that question was answered for me. A Mrs. Hill telephoned me from Tudorville, explaining that there were three houses in Tudor Street which were lit up, ready for Christmas, so on a cold and very frosty Sunday evening, I ventured deep into the West part of Ross, armed with only a camera, a beany hat and fingerless gloves to take a look.

Pictured below are the pretty lights of both Tudor Street and Tudor Rise, spreading Christmas Cheer to the people of Ross-on-Wye, and now the rest of the world.

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