POLICE who went into a Blackburn pub at 2.50am found more than 40 people still drinking.

Blackburn magistrates heard that officers had been alerted when they saw people leaving the Lord Raglan on Kings Road. And when they stopped outside the pub the officers, including licensing officer Steve Finlay, could hear music and singing coming from inside.

Licensee Jean Blades, 56, pleaded guilty to selling liquor outside permitted hours through an agent.

She was fined £200 and ordered to pay £55 costs.

Bill Maud, prosecuting, said that after hearing the music, the officers knocked on the door and were eventually admitted.

A Mr John McGuire was in charge at the time and he said it was a 50th birthday party and confirmed that people were still buying drinks.

Susan Johnson, defending, said her client apologised profusely for the incident which had caused her a great deal of embarrassment.