PUBS in Bolton are helping tackle drink-driving this Christmas – by rewarding designated drivers with "buy one get one free" Coca-Cola drinks.

The firm has teamed-up with 15 bars to reward the unsung heroes — those who take on the driving role for friends on a festive night out.

Drivers will be offered buy-one-get-one-free soft drinks throughout December as the fizzy pop giant teams up with THINK!, the Department for Transport’s road safety campaign.

Those taking part in the scheme include the Black Dog, Doffcocker Inn, Freemasons Arms, Hogarths, Hollywood Bowl, Rosehill Tavern and the White Lion.

Jo Taylor, landlady of Hogarths Gin Palace in Churchgate, said the campaign was a great idea.

She said: “I think its really important that people don’t drink and drive, and we are aware that it happens more at this time of year.

“As publicans we definitely have a big responsibility in this area and there have been times where we have actually taken car keys off people because we can tell that they are not fit to drive .

“I am a nurse as well as a landlady, so I am even more aware of the dangers of drink-driving and hopefully this campaign can help to stop people drink-driving.”