A MAN sparked a police chase across two counties before the van he was driving came to a stop in a slurry pit.

A police helicopter was used and officers also tried to stop him with a stinger device but he mounted the kerb to avoid it.

William Hogg, 21, of Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, was jailed for two years and three months at Preston Crown Court, and banned from driving for three years.

He was appearing for sentence for dangerous driving, having no insurance and driving while disqualified, burglary and theft.

The dangerous driving offence involved a stolen Ford Transit van and he admitted failing to stop after three accidents.

Judge Jonathan Foster QC told him: "I hope you learn something in prison and get off drugs."

Francis McEntee, prosec-uting, told the court the dangerous driving took place on December 7. The van was spotted on the M65 and Hogg headed to Barrowford and then onto Gisburn and Yorkshire, failing to stop after three collisions.

The police chase lasted 56 minutes.