THREE more motorists caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs have lost their licences.

Darren Clarkson, 20, of South Wraxhall, Ian Badham, 27, of Trowbridge and Paul Collins, 31, of Chippenham, were banned from driving for a combined total of six years by magistrates in Chippenham on Thursday.

Police will be holding an annual blitz on drink-driving over Christmas and the New Year. Last year 28 drivers were arrested in north and west Wiltshire over the festive period, an increase of six on 2003 figures. But police have stressed they plan to crack down on motorists who flout the drink-drive laws throughout the year.

Clarkson, of Churchfields, South Wraxall, was stopped in his Rover 214 on Bradley Road, Trowbridge, at 1.30am on September 25, as police spotted the car's lights were switched off.

Prosecutor Michelle Hewitt said police stopped the car and smelt alcohol on Clarkson's breath. They also noticed he was acting drunk and stumbling around.

Tests showed he had 91ml of alcohol in his breath, which is nearly three times over the legal limit of 35ml per 100mg.

Clarkson, who represented himself in court, said: "I normally leave the car at home when I go out for a drink. That night I had no money so I took my car to a mate's house. I meant to leave it there. I went to Chicago Rock Cafe and had quite a lot to drink. Two girls asked me to give them a lift home which I was pretty worried about doing."

Clarkson, who pleaded guilty to drink-driving, was disqualified for 25 months and ordered to pay £343 fines and costs.

Badham, of Yarnbrook, Trowbridge, admitted driving his Vauxhall Astra after drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis.

The 27-year-old, who is a yard assistant for a car spares company in Trowbridge, was caught at 4.45am on Saturday, April 8, while driving in Silver Street Lane, Trowbridge.

Police smelt alcohol on his breath and noticed he was sleepy, yawning, had slurred speech and flickering eyes.

The result of a blood test showed he was within the legal alcohol limit but had been smoking cannabis.

Badham pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs at the hearing and was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £243.

Collins, of Gundry Close, Pewsham, was disqualified from driving for three years after pleading guilty to failing to provide police with a breath or blood sample and obstructing a police officer, after being stopped on September 26.

Tim Hammick, defending, said: "Mr Collins had gone to a function. He wasn't intending to drive back but unfortunately he did."

Magistrates' ordered Collins to pay £293 in fines and costs.