A drink-driver who struggled to stay on the correct side of the road, narrowly missing other vehicles, was found to be twice the legal limit.

Fred Ayling, from Faversham, was at the wheel of his black Skoda Octavia when members of the public flagged down a police patrol car because they were so worried about his driving.

The 50-year-old was pulled over in London Road, Teynham, at about 11pm on January 12 and failed a roadside breath test.

He was arrested and later charged with drink-driving and admitted the offence when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on February 15.

The court heard Ayling, of The Mall, Faversham, gave a reading of 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath, when the legal limit is 35.

Chelsea Clarke, prosecuting, said: "The vehicle wasn't being driven in a straight line and was weaving in the carriageway and struggling to say in lane and almost crashed into other vehicles.

"He failed the roadside test, but is of previous good character."

District Judge Justin Barron also heard Ayling had gone out for the evening before he was pulled over.

He had not expected to stay out but had bumped into a friend who had been celebrating some good news.

Ayling, who said he was a business leader for a funeral directors, defended himself.

He said: "I've been a foolish man. I don't know how I will get about."

Judge Barron added: "It was foolish behaviour and your driving was pretty poor, which is why the police were flagged down because you were a risk to other road users."

The judge decided to ban Ayling from the road for 18 months and ordered him to pay a fine of £691, a victim surcharge of £276 and £85 costs.

If Ayling completes a drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by a quarter.