A YOUNG single father from a respectable family background turned to selling drugs when he lost his job.

Police found drugs concealed in bags above dogs' kennels when they searched the home of Daniel Alvey, 28.

They recovered cannabis, amphetamine and 70 Ecstasy tablets, worth a total of £3,480 street value, at the property in Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, County Durham.

Alvey, who made immediate admissions after the drugs were discovered, was yesterday jailed for three years at Durham Crown Court.

Jailing him, deputy circuit judge Denis Orde spoke of the shame he had brought on his parents, both former Peterlee town councillors. His father, Jim, is a recent ex-mayor.

He said: "You must have brought great distress and embarrassment to them."

Chris Morrison, prosecuting, said Alvey told officers he had bought a larger than usual supply as it was approaching Christmas and New Year. He admitted taking some himself, and selling the rest among a circle of users.

Stephen Constantine, for Alvey, said he only turned to drug dealing to supplement his income after being made redundant, as he has to bring up a nine-year-old son.

Mr Constantine said Alvey was well thought of in the community, having helped install smoke detectors free to elderly householders following a local fire tragedy.

He admitted four charges of possession of either class A or B drugs with intent to supply, and one of possession.

The judge ordered destruction of the seized drugs and forfeiture of the £673 in Alvey's bank account