DRINK-driving is back on the increase in the borough.

Latest figures show that throughout last year, 265 motorists were convicted by Bury Magistrates Court.

This is compared with 259 people prosecuted for driving under the influence in 2000.

Seven drivers were arrested for drink-driving offences during the annual Christmas Drink-Drive Campaign.

A majority of those convicted in 2001 were men (236). The main offenders are aged between 30 and 59 while two boys aged between 10 and 16 and a further eight 17-year-olds were punished by the courts for drink-driving.

There has also been an increase in offences of drunkenness which has risen from 68 in 2000 to 78 in 2001.

Again, the main culprits are aged over 30. Four youngsters in the 10-16 years age group were convicted for their drunken behaviour.