WITH World Cup excitement already taking hold, Worcester football fans are being warned: "Don't be tricked into drink driving".

An increase in continental beers, coupled with larger measures and extra drinking sessions, means one pint could be enough to see drivers handed the red card.

Having just one tipple during the early morning World Cup fixtures could prove dangerous after the previous night's drinking.

The warning came from Graham Wynn, of alcohol awareness group, TTC 2000.

He called on the Government to update its guidelines on alcohol consumption to stop people being "conned" into drink-driving.

"Poor information on absorption rates is leading people to drive illegally the day after consuming alcohol," he said.

"They believe they're safe to drive. We're concerned many people may not realise that having just one drink at 10am can tip them over the limit after drinking the night before."

Mike Stevens, landlord of Toby's Tavern, in Sansome Street, and chairman of Worcester's Licensed Victuallers' Association, said the best advice was to leave the car at home.

"Matches will be finishing in the afternoon so there are plenty of buses and taxis to get home," he said.

"It's not like struggling for public transport late at night.

"People watching an exciting game of football can get caught up in the emotions and that's when they may drink too much."

O'Neills, Toby's Tavern, RSVP, The Exchange and Horn & Trumpet are some of the city pubs opening early for football fans.

Statistics reveal 1,363 offenders were caught driving over the limit in West Mercia last year. Those found guilty were banned for a minimum of 12 months. All were told to attend training courses.

A total of 74 courses will be held this year in Worcester, Hereford, Kidderminster, Redditch, Shrewsbury and Telford.