A DRINK driver is facing jail after a head-on smash at a notorious accident blackspot.

Burnley magistrates heard how shift mainternance engineer Stephen Traynor, 56, overtook against the double solid white lines near the bend known as the Devil's Elbow on the A671 near Whalley.

Traynor, who had drunk five cans of lager, hit one car and then wrote off an £18,000 Lexus, leaving the driver needing hospital treatment.

The court was told witnesses said they could not believe what they were seeing as the defendant overtook and did not get back in the line of traffic.

All witnesses said it was the worst driving they had seen - one slammed it as "senseless and irresponsible" and another told of sparks coming from the car.

Traynor later gave a breath sample which showed 61 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Traynor, of Lower Lane Cottages, Barrowford, admitted dangerous driving and drink driving, last November 25.

He was committed on bail to be sentenced at crown court on February 15.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, told the court Traynor had been travelling from Whalley towards Padiham. He hit a car coming in the opposite direction, spun and then struck a second vehicle before coming to rest.

One motorist heard an "almighty bang," as the crash happened.

Traynor caused £2,000 worth of damage to the first victim's car. The second motorist was taken to hospital with leg injuries.

Mr Robinson said when police questioned the defendant, he said he didn't recall a great deal and put the accident down to the alcohol and high spirits due to his birthday.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Traynor, who had had a driving licence for 39 years, and had recently passed his motorcycle test with flying colours, had gone to Fulwood to see his son.

The defendant, whose wife was with him, set off back, the traffic was nose to tail and for some reason he pulled out. "He can't explain and doesn't wish me to try and explain what happened," added the solicitor.

Mr Irlam said the defendant was devastated about what happened and wished to offer his sincere apologies to the victims.

The solicitor said :"He tells me he doean't want to drive again. Thats how shocked he has been by his stupid and idiotic actions.He has bought himself a pushbike and he now rides to work every day.

"I think this moment of madness has hit him hard."