POLICE were called after a man was seen on the roof of a former nursing home in Barrowford.

Blackburn magistrates heard Damian Richard Parker claimed he had stopped to relieve himself and then climbed onto the roof to steal lead.

Parker, 40, of Parkinson Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to theft of lead from Belgarth Nursing Home. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Matthew Siddall, prosecuting, said police were called to the nursing home after a neighbour saw a man on the roof wearing distinctive clothing.

Officers saw Parker coming out of a nearby alley wearing clothes similar to those described by the neighbour and found some lead in the alley.

Mark Williams, defending, said Parker was on his way home and needed to relieve himself.

"He climbed onto the roof to have a look around and removed a small amount of lead," said Mr Williams.