A PROFESSIONAL photographer has lost his licence for 15 months after admitting drink driving at Skipton Magistrates' Court.

Stuart Ainslie, 52, was breathalysed after being seen by a police officer driving in Mitton Road, Whalley, at around 7.50pm on May 20, the court was told.

A roadside breath test was positive, and he was taken to the police station where he was found to have 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

Ainslie, a man of previous good character, had been walking his dog just before being stopped by the officer, and had been allowed to drop it off at his home before going to the police station.

He had been driving for 36 years and had been a self employed photographer, doing weddings and commercial work, for 25 years.

Ainslie, of The Meadows, Billington, was banned from driving for 15 months and fined £350 with costs of £85 and surcharge of £30. If he completes a drink drivers rehabilitation course, his ban will be reduced by 15 weeks.