Firefighters in Bedfordshire rescue 7 times more people form crashed cars than from burning buildings – their message is ‘Don’t drink and drive this Christmas’. In addition to the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign, consider home fire safety this season too – festive candles, electric Christmas lights and old electric blankets are all a hazard during the winter season.

Police officers, firefighters and ambulance crews who have to clear up the wreckage of too many road accidents all year round - gathered together amid Christmas shoppers off Biggleswade Market Square to get the seasonal message across.

"The first rule of a good night out at Christmas is planning how to get back again," said a police spokesman. "Book a cab well in advance or nominate a soft drinks driver. Any amount of alcohol will impair your driving - so just Don’t Drink and Drive."

As well as getting across a road safety message, firefighters talked to people about the increase dangers of fire in the home in winter. Candles, badly maintained electrical Christmas lights and old electric blankets are all a hazard.

"If you want to know what to buy this Christmas for the person who has everything - buy them a smoke detector," said Fire Station Commander Chris Adams of Biggleswade and Shefford.

"Better still if you have an elderly or infirm relative go and fit one for them - or call Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service on Freephone 0800 043 5042 and we will do the job for you."

Christmas Message from Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) – fit a smoke detector – or buy one as a gift for the person who has everything.