A MAN who was over the drink-drive limit crashed into a road sign on his way back from a wedding.

John Woods, 31, was driving a Mazda 323 when he lost control and crashed into the sign on the A67 near Merrybent, west of Darlington.

The incident happened on November 12.

He was breathalised at the scene and found to be over the limit. Woods, of Waverley Terrace, Darlington, pleaded guilty to drivingwith excess alcohol at the town's magistrates' court.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said: "He admitted guilt at the first available opportunity.

He had been at a wedding and admitted drinking four to five pints."

Woods, representing himself, said: "It was a stupid decision. I'm ashamed."

He was disqualified from driving for 20 months, and ordered to pay a £250 fine, £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.