THE smallest miscalculation cost Russell Hollings his driving licence and £315 in fines and costs.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Hollings was only marginally over the breath alcohol limit when stopped by police and was offered a second sample of either blood or urine.

He opted for blood and analysis revealed he had a level of 81 against the legal limit of 80.

Hollings, 25, of Higher South Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without insurance and as well as the financial penalty was disqualified for 12 months.

He agreed to be referred to the drink-drivers' rehabilitation course which, if completed successfully, will result in his disqualification being reduced by 25 per cent.

Ian Huggan, defending, said Hollings had played the good Samaritan for a friend who was the worse for drink and had taken his car to the pub with him.

"My client had finished work and taken his car home before going to the pub," said Mr Huggan.

"When he offered to drive his friend home he thought he was perfectly all right to drive and also that he was covered to drive his friend's car on his own insurance.

"He was trying to do someone a good turn and it has backfired on him.

"He was very close to the legal limit and can perhaps be considered a little unlucky."