A 20-YEAR-OLD Mercedes driver was seen 'racing' another car along the A59 at more than 110mph.

A policeman who gave chase in an unmarked car said that, even at that speed the cars were still pulling away from him.

And the chairman of the magistrates told Mark Tillotson that earlier that day he had another young man before him charged with causing the death of his friend by dangerous driving.

"He wasn't travelling as fast as you where," said the chairman, at Blackburn magistrates.

"There was great risk of harm to the public as well as to yourself."

After the case a police spokesman said there was a growing number of cases of speeding young drivers and said the Lancashire Telegraph's Wasted Lives campaign was highlighting the problem.

He said: "We have received a growing number of complaints telling us about young men, speeding along the main arterial routes, side roads and villages in Lancashire, who show no thought for the safety of themselves or others and it has to stop."

Tillotson, of Pimlico Road, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to speeding, on January 13. He was banned from driving for 56 days and fined £1,000 with £35 costs.

Philip Potter, prosec-uting, said that the officer first saw the Vauxhall Corsa and the Mercedes going round Petre round-about at speed, heading towards Clitheroe. He said that the Mercedes was only five yards behind the other car.

"The officer followed and when his speedo was showing 100mph he was not getting any closer," said Mr Potter. "The gap was increasing even when the officer was doing 110."

As they approached the Bramley Mead round-about both cars overtook another vehicle and the Mercedes stayed on the off-side of the road and overtook the Corsa.

At the Clitheroe South roundabout the Mercedes went straight on and the Corsa turned left.

The court heard that when the officer told him the speed he had reached Tillotson replied: "I didn't think I was going that fast."

"This driver was grossly exceeding the speed limit and it would appear they were using the road as a racetrack," said Mr Potter.

Thomas Keaney, defending, said Tillotson denied he was racing and said he did not know the Corsa driver.

He said Tillotson was driving at speed because he was late and his father, who had recently had an operation, would worry.

Mr Keaney said Tillotson was employed by Brindle of Ribchester who supply prestige cars and the loss of his licence would mean the defendant may lose his employment.