TWO men seen fighting in the street in the early hours of the morning appeared in court and told magistrates they were good friends.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police arrived on the scene Paul Patrick Lyons had no top on and Rocky Johnstone was just putting his vest back on.

Johnstone, 35, of Thingley Caravan Site, Chippenham, Wiltshire, and Lyons, 33, of East Crescent, Accrington, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. They were each fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police were called to Blackburn Road, Accrington, at 2.30am and saw the two men shouting abuse at each other.

"They were both very drunk," said Mrs Yates.

Johnstone told the court he and his co-defendant were very good friends but things had got out of hand on the night.

Lyons said it had been a bit of banter which had gone too far.