A VAN driver under the influence of alcohol continued driving from Coldingham to Eyemouth even though the airbag had inflated inside his vehicle.

Joseph Donaldson collided with hedging and various items of roadside furniture on April 1.

The 66-year-old pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop and give name and address after an accident and failing to provide a sample of breath.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the incident happened at around 9pm when various people were travelling back from Coldingham to Eyemouth.

He explained: "People following the accused vehicle noted there had been a collision and the airbag had gone off in his vehicle but he continued to drive the vehicledespite being visually impaired by the airbag.

"At times he was on the wrong side of the carriageway and his speed was very changeable.

"The police were phoned."

As police officers responded to the incident Donaldson drove his van past Eyemouth Police Station where he struck a salt bin.

Outside the town's fire station it was noticed that smoke was coming from the engine.

And he also hit a bollard outside the primary school.

Mr Fraser said Donaldson was helped out of the vehicle and told officers: "I just don't know what's happening. He was completely intoxicated."

Donaldson, formerly of Duns, and now living in Torwoodlee Road, Galashiels, had sentence deferred until May 15, for background reports.

He has received an interim driving disqualification.