A third more people were arrested as part of a crackdown on drink-driving over Christmas and New Year than last year.

Kent Police officers breathalysed more than 1,100 motorists in the month to January 1.

As many as 222 drivers failed roadside breath tests. That is up by 51 on the previous year - an increase of just under 30%.

Many have already been convicted, but some are still going through the courts.

The campaign saw 15 people put before magistrates within hours of arrest using the virtual court network.

Twelve of these, including a man from Aylesford who was more than four-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit, lost their licence immediately.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: "Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is not just anti-social it is dangerous and risks lives.

"Those who ignored our constant messages about the dangers they pose to themselves and others by drink-driving have paid with their licence.

"The benefits of virtual court technology have been highlighted throughout the month and this resource will continue to undergo development as it is rolled out to more custody suites in Kent.

"It is a valuable tool in delivering swift justice and banning dangerous road users immediately.

"Even though this campaign has ended Kent Police will continue to make the county's roads safer by persistently targeting drivers who drink or take drugs.

"Officers will take a zero tolerance approach to those who are over the limit and these motorists risk losing their licence within hours of being charged."

Around two people are killed in collisions on Kent's roads each week. Statistics show one in six of these deaths involve someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs.