RETIRED motor dealer John Layland was stopped and breathalysed as he drove home from the pub -- in his tractor.

And the 67 year old bachelor told a court that he certainly hadn't been stopped for speeding, because the vehicle had a top speed of just 15 mph.

Layland, of Demense Farm, Settle Road, Newsholme, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without insurance. He was disqualified for 18 months and made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months.

Layland told the court he had been going to the pub in Paythorne for more than 25 years and had never had any problems driving home.

On the night of the offence he had drunk his usual two pints but had fallen asleep watching some friends playing pool.

"As I left, much later than usual, someone handed me a whisky and dry and I drank it," said Layland. "That was my fatal mistake.

"I'm not in the habit of drinking over the limit and being unfit to drive.

"There can't be any suggestion my driving was erratic, it certainly wasn't fast, the tractor has a maximum speed of 15 mph," he added.