LEYLAND'S pioneering shop-a-drunk scheme is to go Down Under after being declared a resounding success by local police.

Drink Link, launched last year in a bid to track down persistent drink-drivers, is to be copied in Melbourne, Australia, after Ozzie police decided it was time to crack down on festive boozers.

Unlike Britain with its wintry Christmas, the Ozzies often celebrate on the beach with lots of beer to keep cool. The Australians became interested Drink Link when they heard it was being launched nationwide across Britain.

A spokesman for Southern Division's Traffic unit said: "Our advice is being sought because of the number of horrendous drink-drive accidents happening in Melbourne. Christmas gives police a huge drink-drive headache because of the hot weather."

Leyland policemen went on Ozzie radio shows explaining how it worked and why it was so successful.

Drink Link snared 30 drivers when it was piloted in Southern Division after concerned locals tipped police off on an anonymous hot-line.

Meanwhile, TV viewers in this country will get a look behind the scenes of the scheme when the local force features on Britain's Worst Drivers this Friday at 9pm on ITV. Camera crews followed them around during the festive season to watch them carrying out spot checks, acting on information reported through Drink Link. Footage of the drunk drivers will also be shown.

The spokesman added: "If people think there is a chance they will be caught, they won't do it. There is always a chance a member of the public will witness their driving and contact us."

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