A MOTORING enthusiast has been banned from driving for 12 months.

Leslie Allison, 45, of Corporation Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in his Porsche on November 13 last year in Darlington.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard that Allison had no previous convictions, but had provided a positive blood sample at Darlington police station.

Allison, who was not represented by a solicitor, told the court he was a motor sport enthusiast who owned four cars and it was completely out of character for him.

"I value my licence and it will hit me a lot harder than it will other people," he said.

Chairman of the bench, David Williams, handed Allison a £300 fine with £34 costs and a 12-month disqualification.

Allison can reduce this by three months if he completes a drink-driver rehabilitation scheme.