Police are sending specially-designed Christmas cards to prolific offenders, featuring an unpalatable-looking festive meal.

The cards carry the greeting: "Where will you be having Christmas dinner? Basic rooms available with Cheshire Constabulary if you′re naughty not nice!"

They will be hand-delivered to 300 of Cheshire′s most persistent criminals.

Officers will deliver the cards during routine checks on their progress.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "Whilst the card is light-hearted there is a serious message behind it."

Lock them up anyway just for good measure and peace of mind for decent people.