AN artist narrowly avoided losing her driving licence after being caught breaking the speed limit.

Mary Rozier, of Albert Road, Colwall, near Malvern, appeared before Worcester magistrates on Tuesday.

She had been driving along the A4104 at Welland in October last year and was caught at 36mph in a 30mph zone.

Mrs Rozier, aged 59, identified herself in the photograph as the driver of the car.

However she had already got 10 points on her licence and risked losing it if convicted.

Defending herself, Mrs Rozier, a travelling artist who teaches around the county, said she was unable to manage without the car.

She said she was recently divorced, and was recovering from a big operation, which made it difficult to carry things. She also told magistrates this meant she would not be able to use public transport to go and teach art as it meant having to carry her painting equipment.

Mrs Rozier wept as she told the court how she could not cope without her car.

"I can't manage without it. I can't afford taxis. I can't carry my easel and paints on public transport. I'm isolated and on my own," she said.

Magistrates told her: "We understand that without the use of your car you would find it extremely difficult to make ends meet. Also your medical condition which makes it difficult for you to do shopping. Therefore we are going to allow you to keep your licence on this occasion."

She was fined a total of £120, and had her licence endorsed with three penalty points.