Chef helps serve recipe for a safe Christmas

CHEF Adam Reid is not impressed by the microwave offering from Chief Constable Ian Hopkins

A TOP TV chef is teaming up with Greater Manchester Police to give tips on how to have a safe and happy Christmas.

Adam Reid, one of the winners of this year's Great British Menu has backed the GMP Christmas Campaign to encourage people to stay safe over the festive period which launched on Wednesday.

Christmas can be stressful with spending money on presents, events to organise or attend and also with many members of the family under the same roof at one time.

The campaign is seeking to remind people to consider the consequences of their actions and that if they do something wrong they could spend Christmas eating a microwave meal in custody.

GMP has created four recipe videos to give advice on how to avoid stress which will be shared throughout December.

As well as giving tips the force is also asking people what they think makes a safe and happy Christmas.

A specially-developed web app will allow people to share their own ideas on how to stay safe over Christmas which can then be posted on social media.

Christmas cards will also be sent to criminals across the region to warn them how they might spend the holiday if they misbehave.

Crucial

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Every Christmas it is crucial to remind people how to stay safe throughout the festive season.

"We want people to enjoy celebrating Christmas but it's important to stay in control and consider the consequences of our actions.

He said: "Sharing our messages in this way will prompt people into thinking ahead and remember that their actions can have life-changing results, for instance reminding people that even the smallest amount of drugs and alcohol can impair their ability to drive - the safest amount to have is none.

"GMP will be working hard throughout the festive season to help to protect the people of Greater Manchester."

Adam Reid added: "The key to creating perfect food is about getting the balance right, one ingredient too many or too little or too much of one ingredient and the dish can be ruined, it's all in the planning."

He said: "And that's exactly how Christmas can be too.

"Too much alcohol, too much stress, not enough time to get everything sorted and that's it, it can be ruined for you and your family.

Celebrating

"GMP shares important messages that remind people to not drink and drive, how they can stay safe at home or when they are out and about celebrating Christmas.

"These are important and these recipe videos are a great way to share these messages."

The Christmas recipe web app will be available to access from GMP's website, Twitter account @gmpolice and GMP's Facebook page.

Check out Greater Manchester Police's drink drive campaign: