PUB entertainer Philip Clayton and his girlfriend were singing a different song after police stopped their car after seeing it leave a Clitheroe pub car park late at night.

Blackburn magistrates heard that while Clayton was saying his partner had been behind the wheel she was admitting that they had changed places after realising the police were following them.

Clayton, 38, of Beacon Fell Caravan Park, Higher Road, Longridge, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, while disqualified and without insurance. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months, ordered to do 50 hours community punishment, disqualified from driving for four years and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Clayton, who gave a reading of 94 against the legal limit of 80, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Clayton and his girlfriend were seen leaving the Brown Cow on Moor Lane at 12.40 am. They followed the car until it stopped and officers saw movement inside the vehicle.

"In an attempt to deceive the officers his partner, Carol Taylor, climbed into the driver's seat and Clayton sat in the back," said Mr White.

"Clayton carried on the deception when he was interviewed at the police station but unfortunately for him she had been more honest when questioned. She admitted they had swapped seats."

The court heard Clayton had two previous convictions for drink driving and Sian Hall, defending, said the prospect of going to prison had haunted him.

"He can't believe that he has put himself in this position," said Miss Hall.