POLICE tipped off about a possible drink-driver leaving Wilpshire golf club stopped a 58-year old former captain as he neared his home in Clitheroe, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told that Robert William Harrison narrowly failed a breathalyser test and a subsequent blood test gave a reading of 82 against the legal limit of 80.

But Robin Phoenix, defending, said the tiny amount -- "taking communion wine at church would make the difference" -- meant that Harrison would be banned from driving for three years and would lose his job.

Harrison, of Holme Hill, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

He was fined £500, ordered to pay £50 costs and disqualified from driving or three years.

Three years was the minimum ban the court could impose as a result of an excess alcohol conviction in September 2003.

Mr Phoenix said Harrison's reading on the breathalyser had been 40.

At 39 the police do not prosecute, at 40 they do," said Mr Phoenix.