POLICE have launched a bid to stop drink driving as part of a crackdown on troublesome boozers during Euro 2004.

Great Harwood police are targeting motorists as part of the countrywide campaign during the football championships in Portugal.

Officers have chosen to target drink driving, as they fear people might be tempted to drive after watching games at the pub.

They are also keen to point out that alcohol can stay in a drinker's system for hours after they have arrived home and they may still fail a breathalyser test the following morning.

So the police will be stopping motorists, and also putting up posters around the Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors areas.

PC Richard Moore said: "It's to make people aware of the consequences of drink driving, especially with the summer time, and the start of Euro 2004. We will be putting up posters in Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton, and there are going to be high visibility patrols during the games and after the games.

"The morning after we are going to be doing stop-checks, and checking people's documents. It's to make people aware of the consequences of drinking a lot at night and driving the morning after.

"We want people to go out and enjoy the football but to leave the car at home. Use taxis or pick a designated driver."

The first England match as part of Euro 2004 takes place on Sunday against France.

Football fans are expected to be out in force across the area cheering on the team.

Great Harwood's operation is one of a number being run across the area. In Accrington, police officers have spoken to off-licence bosses and will be out on patrol on match days.

Inspector Julian Platt of Accrington police said: "This is so people can get the maximum benefit from the competition, and enjoy it as most people want to."

Also Lancashire has been chosen to join in a six week initiative called Nightsafe, which will run across the summer, carrying out operations including confiscating alcohol and checking doorstaff.