A GRANDAD who stole to fund his drug use told police he was "getting too old for all this" after he was arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Exton, 46, felt his life was falling apart at the time of the offences in June but he had since made giant strides.

He had rekindled the relationship with his estranged partner and as a result he was back in touch with his adult daughters, one of who had just had his first grandchild.

And he said he was anxious to be a better grandfather than he had been a father.

Making Exton subject to a community order, District Judge John Maxwell said he agreed with Exton that he was too old "for this game".

"I hope you discover one of the great delights in life which is being a grandad," he added.

Exton, of Dean Street, Padiham, pleaded guilty to stealing fishing equipment worth £130, dresses worth £54 and clothing of a value unknown all belonging to W Boyes Limited.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months drug rehabilitation requirement and a one week curfew between 6pm and 6am. He was ordered to pay £85 compensation and £85 costs.