ESSEX Police's traffic cops have released an eight year old's emotive message to drink drives after saying they are having to arrest too many offenders.

As Christmas draws ever nearer police fear they will be facing even more drivers under the influence taking to the borough's roads.

In a bid to strike a guilty chord with drivers considering having one too many they have quoted a youngster who came close to losing her mum in an incident with a drunk driver.

The hand-written note from Isabelle tells how her mum suffered an injury that left blood pouring from her head.

"I nearly didn't have a mummy anymore" she says.

A police statement says: "We're still arresting far too many drink/drug drivers and will have loads more today.

"If you're even thinking of driving when you know you shouldn't, read this letter and keep reading it until your realise."