THE government and safety organisations spend a lot of time and money trying to hammer home the message not to drink and drive.

And while many of today's teenagers put older generations to shame with the self discipline they show in staying sober if they are going to take the wheel, alcohol is still a serious cause of injury and death.

Appeals to common sense and shock tactics have been tried year after year in winter and summer advertising campaigns and they have helped, but the drink-drive problem is still there.

Today Andy Payton, a hero to a generation of Burnley football supporters, adds his weight to the cause with a plea to his peers to, in effect, "do as I say, don't do as I did."

After winning his licence back two years into his second driving ban, Payton told how it was largely responsible for him having to retire from the game he loved.

He was banned for three years for refusing to take a breath test or provide a specimen.

A car containing documents with his name on them had been found badly damaged after crashing into a wall.

Being forced to rely on public transport had also put "impossible" hurdles in his private life.

"A ban makes a massive difference to your life...the two years seemed like forever."

Let's hope the thousands who have admired him follow Andy Payton's advice.