Campaign on drink-driving

A month-long campaign to deter drink and drug driving has been launched.

Kent Police is to undertake a number of random road checks during the June initiative to ensure motorists drive responsibly over the summer.

The force says it will take ‘an intelligence-led approach’ to target those who recklessly drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in an attempt to reduce the number of deaths and casualties on the county’s roads.

Unspecified ‘high risk locations’ will form the focus of the stop and scrutinise national campaign until the end of June.

Ch Insp Peter Steenhuis, from the roads policing unit, said: “Drivers should never get behind the wheel if they have had alcohol or are under the influence of controlled drugs as they significantly increase the chances of harming themselves and others.

“Our message is simple: If you are going to have an alcoholic drink on a night out then plan another way of getting home.”

If you suspect someone is driving while unfit, report it to 101 or 999 if they pose a danger. Alternatively phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A sixth former’s arty dreams will soon become a reality after sponsors from around the world have helped him reach his fundraising goal with time to spare.

Ben Sinclair, 17, who goes to Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford, has designed and illustrated a pack of animal playing cards based on the Gaia hypothesis, a theory by James Lovelock, which holds that all animals in their environments keep the earth stable.

In the first five days, the project on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter had already been pledged nearly $5,000 (nearly £4,000) in sponsorship from teachers, friends and strangers around the world.

Now, Ben has gained enough support – more than $13,000 worth, beating his $12,000 (about £9,000) target – to make the cards.

Ben said: “I’m super happy with how well it has gone.

“I’m amazed at the fact that we’ve managed to reach the goal within 15 days, and so with a lot of time to spare.

“Now I’m just really excited to reach the stretch goals, with the first being interior artwork for the tuck box.”

The Year 12 pupil is working with Matt Preuss from Forge Arts, a company which teams up with artists to create their own packs of cards.

The cards will be manufactured in the USA to distribute around the world come September.

Ben was awarded a scholarship by the Royal Society of British Artists last year for his oil painting of an elephant.

The scholarship allows him to compete in competitions and exhibitions.

He also hopes to study art at Oxford or University College London.

The Kickstarter campaign ends on Friday, June 16. You can either buy a pack or pledge to the cause.

To sponsor Ben’s work, visit RarePlayingCards.com/Gaia