AN Althams Travel minibus driver was almost twice the drink-drive limit when he smashed into bollards as he went to pick up holidaymakers early on Sunday morning, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard John Askew, 49, hit two traffic islands 40 yards apart.

The badly-damaged Ford Transit cab was found by police 100 yards down the road with one bollard underneath it.

Askew, who was alone in the vehicle but was on his way to pick up airport-bound passengers, later gave a test reading of 58 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Askew of Red Lees Road, Cliviger, who said he had been driving 32 years without an accident, admitted excess alcohol and driving without due care and attention. He was fined £150, with £50 costs and banned for 16 months.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Askew hit two traffic bollards near the hospital on Casterton Avenue, Burnley, and told police the crash happened when paperwork fell off the seat and he was distracted.

Officers noticed his breath smelled heavily of drink, a roadside breath test proved positive and Askew was arrested and taken to the police station.

The council had to attend the scene of the smash as live wires had been exposed by the damage to the bollards.

Mr Robinson said the defendant, who had three points on his licence, had no previous convictions.

He was not represented by a solicitor and should be given credit for his guilty plea.

Askew told the justices he was "totally sorry and totally embarrassed," about what he had done and it had been a mistake to take his eyes off the road.

He said:"I honestly thought I was 0K. I felt fine. The only thing I can think is I didn't have any tea the night before.

"I went out to the local to watch the football on the wide screen."

Askew said he did not normally work on a Sunday. He would now lose his employment.

The defendant added he had been shocked at hitting the bollards and continued:" I have never had a crash before. This is the first accident I have had in 32 years driving and I just panicked."