A 59-year-old long distance lorry driver was resigned to not driving for a living again after being breathalysed after a Sunday afternoon drink.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Colin Campbell Parkington had spent all his working life behind the wheel but had lost his job as a result of the offence.

Roger Pickles, defending, said his client would find it impossible to find work as a driver when he got his licence back because of the insurance implications.

"He hoped to spend the last few years of his working life as a working man," said Mr Pickles.

"He has had to apply for benefits and that does not fill him with any pride at all."

Parkington, of New Bank Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £150 with £75 costs and disqualified from driving for two years.

Parkington, who gave a reading of 85 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme.