A woman caught up in another couple's dispute ended up being hit in the face with a handbag by someone who had been a friend since school days.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the first thing Franka Clough did when she was arrested for assaulting Kelly Howarth was apologise.

Clough, 22, of Cambridge Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assault. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £130 compensation and £60 costs.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Miss Howarth had been to the Darwen Music Festival and ended up outside the Circus pub where there was a disturbance involving Clough and her boyfriend.

A friend of Miss Howarth's got knocked over and when she spoke up on her behalf, Clough slapped her twice and then hit her with the bag. She was left with a black eye and a bust lip.

Daniel King, defending, said Clough wished to publicly apologise for her behaviour.