A MOTHER was caught drink driving while collecting her child from primary school.

Ellenor Fay Thornton, 40, of Winslow Road, Bromyard, was at her son's primary school when police officers arrested her.

She pleaded guilty at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday to drink driving her Peugeot 108 on the A44 at 3.30pm on November 11.

Amy Davies, prosecuting said that police had been informed of a minor collision on Winslow Road.

"The person reported that the driver smelt of alcohol and was on the way to a primary school to collect her child," said Mrs Davies.

Police attended the school and Thornton failed a breathalyser test before being arrested.

She gave a test reading of 93 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

Emily Gourley, mitigating, said that the defendant had never been before the court previously and was of good character.

"Her explanation is not a form of excuse but her partner of 11 years recently suffered two heart attacks and had to be brought back to life twice," said Mrs Gourley

"His personality has since changed and it's very difficult as she suffers from anxiety. She is doing everything she can with the help of doctors but she is still living with her partner."

Thornton was disqualified from driving for 24 months which could be reduced by 24 weeks on completion of a drink driving rehabilitation course.

She was also ordered to pay a £110 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £135 costs.