A BANNED driver spotted at the wheel was on his way to an appointment with a probation officer, Wirral magistrates heard.

Christopher Peter Warrington, aged 22, of Proctor Road, Hoylake, admitted disqualified driving and not having insurance cover.

It was said he regretted his reckless act. He was jailed for three months and collected a new 18-month ban.

A PROPERTY repairer stopped for drink driving on Meols Promenade told Wirral magistrates the police had been kind to him. They allowed him to take his dogs home before he went to the police station.

Neil Clark, 53, of Seabank Cottages off Bennetts Lane, Meols admitted driving his van when approaching the double permitted level.

He said his dogs always accompanied him. He was banned for a year and fined £250.

WIRRAL has been recognised as the official regional 'twin' of the province of Latina in Italy - a link initiated by a visit of West Kirby Chamber of Commerce to the Italian province about 100km South of Rome in 1997.

That was followed by a reciprocal visit by senior officials from Latina in April last year and the link was formalised last year when a Wirral delegation, led by Mayor of Wirral Coun Margaret Green, visited Latina.

Said Coun Mrs Green: "The link is great news for Wirral which has not been officially twinned with another region for over 35 years, when links with Gennevilliers and Lorient in France were established."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.