A DARWEN councillor has admitted drink driving. Fred Slater was stopped on November 27 and later failed breath and blood tests, Blackburn magistrates were told.

Slater, 63, of Minster Crescent, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £175 with £60 costs and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Slater, who had a reading of 93 in blood against the legal limit of 80, agreed to be referred to a drink-drive rehabilitation programme.

Francis McIntee, prosecuting, said the Blackburn with Darwen councillor was driving a Renault Laguna when he was stopped as he drove into Minster Crescent. The officer smelled drink on his breath.

Robin Phoenix, defending, said his client had no previous convictions and was deeply embarrassed over his appearance in court.