AN investigation has been launched at a controversial children's home after a drink-drive incident involving two members of staff.

Peter Harll, 40, and a female employee of Aycliffe Young People's Centre in County Durham, have been suspended following the crash.

Harll, a senior worker at the centre which houses some of the country's most disturbed young people, admitted driving with excess alcohol during a hearing at Newton Aycliffe magistrates court.

He was driving through Aycliffe Village in his Mercedes when he lost control. Three youths from the centre and another member of staff are believed to have been in the car at the time.

Harll, from Hartlepool, was found to be almost twice the legal drink-drive level when breath-tested by police at the scene of the accident.

Magistrates banned him from driving for three years and fined him £250.

A spokesman for Durham County Council said: "Two members of staff have been suspended and an investigation is under way.