CONVICTED drink-drivers met up this week at an anonymous location to learn about the effects of alcohol.

Those taking part had been referred by magistrates to attend training courses as part of TTC 2000, a government-backed, not-for-profit, training company which is campaigning for alcohol awareness to become a compulsary part of driving tests.

Last year in Preston 246 offenders were referred to attend the courses.

Restaurateur Nick Jones, 46, was one of them.

Before he was stopped Nick was confident he knew his limits.

"I thought I was safe to drive on two and a half pints," he said. "This has been a shock and I've learnt a lot through the whole experience, mostly don't drink anything when you're in the car."

Magistrates banned Nick from driving for 12 months, but after attending the course the ban has been reduced to nine months.

He said: "Coming on the course has made me aware that everyone has different alcohol tolerances and you can't measure units as a guide to safe driving.

"People just aren't aware of these dangers, everyone knows drink-driving is wrong but it seems we are misinformed. Alcohol stays in your blood for a long time."

Nick, who owns DB Mex, Cannon Street, Preston, had been for a drink with a friend. "I drank five units that night which would take several hours to work its way out of my system," he said.

"As the owner of a licensed restaurant I can't preach or act as anyone's mother but I will be putting up posters letting people know that it's not safe to go out and have one for the road as it inevitably leads to another."

The course aims to address several issues, including how alcohol affects the body. A demonstration where a glass of wine is poured over fresh liver which then dissolves is just one way of getting the message across, according to TTC 2000 trainer, Monica Farrimond.

She stressed the people on the courses are not alcoholics but regular folk from all walks of life who have never been stopped by the police before.

"This course has been very successful and I think it should be included in theory tests to warn drivers of the risks of drink driving before they hit the road," said Monica.

For more information on the course which runs regularly in Preston and is open to anyone call 01952 292246.