A Ribble Valley farmer convicted of his third excess alcohol offence realised he had an alcohol problem, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that James Hacking was stopped by police in Clitheroe who had been tipped off that he may be driving while under the influence.

Hacking, 53, of Stopper Lane, Rimmington, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in Castle Street.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and made subject to an immediate ban.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said Hacking, who gave a reading of 57 against the legal limit of 35, had previous excess alcohol convictions in 2001 and 2004.

Robin Phoenix, defending, said his client had been burying his head in the sand.

"He now accepts he has an alcohol problem which has to be dealt with," said Mr Phoenix.