A FORMER Bury man, said to be on the verge of becoming a alcoholic, has been told by magistrates to seek help for his drink problem.

Gary Morrison, aged 38, admitted at Rochdale court stealing a vacuum cleaner worth £50 from a local shop.

Morrison, a resident at Rochdale's Salvation Army Hostel, struggled with a security guard after leaving the shop with the vacuum cleaner. Alan Greenwood, defending, said Morrison was drunk and could not remember much.

He was fined £100 with £50 costs. David Wilkinson, chairman of the bench, told him: "You are in a serious position and we suggest you get help."