An elderly man who sexually abused a 15-year-old girl has been made the subject of a three-year community order.

A court heard how James Proctor, 70, of Hacking Drive, Longridge, kissed the youngster and took hold of her chest.

The offence arose when he had taken her to see land he had bought.

Preston Crown Court was told that the defendant came from a background where certain language, innuendo and inappropriate remarks were partly regarded as the norm.

Proctor had pleaded guilty to two offences of sexual assault.

Proctor's community order will involve three years supervision by the probation service and a requirement to undergo a community sex offenders programme.

The offences took place in August last year, against a girl whom he knew.

He asked if she would like to see new land he had bought and drove her to Jeffrey Hill, Longridge.

During the journey he stopped his car, put an arm around the girl and kissed her on the cheek, said Keith Harrison, prosecuting.