A TEENAGE driver who left a party to take a friend to get cigarettes was double the legal drink drive limit when he crashed into a wall and rolled his car onto it roof.

Blackburn magistrates heard Clitheroe Grammar School sixth former William Pye was taken to hospital but neither he or his passenger suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash in Clitheroe Road, Whalley.

Pye, 18, of Green Lane, Thornley, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £120 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

Damien Pickup, defending, said his client was about to take his A levels.

"These proceedings have been distracting and he just wants to get this over with," said Mr Pickup. "He has provisional offers from five universities and is anxious to concentrate on his studies."

Mr Pickup said Pye had been at an 18th birthday celebration at the Eagle and Child in Barrow when a friend asked him to take him for some cigarettes.

"He had drunk far too much and in his own words his inhibitions went out of the window," said Mr Pickup. "He said yes and it is a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life."