A REFRESHING idea will give drivers free soft drinks all summer at a Middlewich pub.

Congleton's community safety partnership is launching a designated non-drinking driver scheme (DES) with the help of four borough pubs, including The Vaults pub in Wheelock Street, to reduce the number of drink drivers on the roads.

The scheme works by encouraging groups of friends and family planning to go to the pub to decide beforehand who will drive them home.

The driver identifies himself or herself to the landlord of the pub and receives free soft drinks.

Becky Mason, community safety and anti-social behaviour co-ordinator for Congleton, said: "We want everyone in the borough to really enjoy the summer without any incidents to spoil it.

"Full marks to the pubs that have agreed to participate, it really shows they care about responsible drinking and issues about community safety - the small loss of profit on the soft drinks will be made up by the extra customers who want to feel safe and enjoy the summer by visiting their pubs."

Robin Curry, the community safety partnership's watch co-ordinator, said: "This is yet another good example of the business and community safety partnership working together to make our borough a safe and pleasant place to live.

"Sadly, road accidents resulting in death or serious injury are a significant problem.

"Any scheme which encourages responsible drinking has got to be good for the community."