THE work's Christmas "do" ended with David Jonathon Woods and a friend dancing on the car park at McDonald's wearing staff jackets they had stolen from the fast-food outlet at Whitebirk.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when police responded to the burglar alarm Woods told them they had taken the jackets because they were cold.

Woods, 20, of Pine Close, Rishton, pleaded guilty to burglary. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Elliott Taylforth, defending, said burglary is a serious matter -- but Woods' effort had been a ludicrous laughable episode committed in drink and through a window that had been left open.

He said Woods, the youngest member of staff, had been to the works Christmas party and had been plied with drink all night.

On leaving the Red Lion 'paralytic drunk' he had seen the lights on at McDonald's and went over hoping to get some food.

The shop was shut but a drive-thru window was open and he and his friend entered and took nothing more than the staff coats.

"They were dancing on the car park when the police arrived and he tried to make the point that there was no harm done," said Mr Taylforth.