Emmerdale star Mark Charnock has endorsed a campaign warning motorists against driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs which has been launched this month.
The actor, 54 - who plays Marlon Dingle on the ITV soap - took part in a mock road traffic collision to support North Yorkshire Police 's latest Christmas campaign.
The police force has released a video of it in an attempt to show the public the "harsh reality" of drink and drug driving, as part of its efforts to crackdown on such behaviour.
The footage shows Mark being cut out of a vehicle by fire crew, before being placed on a stretcher and carried away. He described it as "like being in a horror film".
He commented: "Everything about it is something that you wouldn't want to be involved in. It's not just the person who's in the accident, it's the sort of like ripples of it".
Mark said that the experience involved hearing a "really terrifying grinding noise" as well as the sound of metal being torn during the rescue efforts conducted by fire crews.
"They start to extricate you from the worst experience of your life. It's just not worth the pint. [...] You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy," the actor further commented.
The video is part of North Yorkshire Police's latest campaign, following on from its initiative last Christmas which saw 137 people arrested for drink or drug driving.
According to data released by the police force, 72 people of the 137 were charged with an offence and 25 of the arrests were made following a road traffic collision.
This year's campaign - which runs up to January 1 - has now been launched and it will include static roadside checks as well as the patrolling of the county by police officers.
Officers are set to patrol in marked and unmarked police vehicles in a bid to catch and prosecute those who put their own lives and those of others' at risk on roads in the area.
The public are being asked to "call out" anyone who is behind the wheel whilst under the influence by dialling 999. And the police force are keen to remind that motorists can be over the limit the morning after drinking or taking drugs.
Superintendent Emma Aldred, head of Specialist Operations at North Yorkshire Police said: "I would urge people who are out socialising to call out anyone who is about to drive or who is driving when under the influence of drink or drugs."
Group Manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Tony Peel added: "Plan ahead and make alternative arrangements, the risk is defiantly not worth it, the consequences are life changing for not only you but many others."
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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