A WOMAN has avoided a driving ban despite admitting to being in charge of a car on New Year's Day while over the alcohol limit.

Abigail Lancaster, of Manor Drive, Northwich, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on May 31 where she pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard the 44-year-old was found to be in charge of an Abarth 500 in Middlewich Road on January 1 this year.

A breath test revealed Lancaster had 89 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of her breath, more than twice the legal limit of 35. 

Taking her plea into consideration, magistrates chose not to impose a driving disqualification and instead endorsed her licence with 10 penalty points.

Lancaster was also fined £300 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £120.