A MAN who used a tractor to try and rescue two children stranded during the July flood has been banned from driving - because he was over the legal alcohol limit.

Andrew Hooper mounted the rescue attempt after struggling to get through to the emergency services, who were inundated with calls because of the severe weather.

Yesterday, the 29-year-old appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court to be sentenced.

Eric Waley, prosecuting, made it clear to the bench that the offence has been committed with the best intention.

He said: "On the day in question - Friday, July 20 - the heavens had opened up and the roads had become canals.

"At about 7.20pm, police officers were outside the Bluebell pub in Callow End. The water was rising and a lot of people were worried. A considerable number of people were getting stranded and in a distressed state.

"The officers were there when a large tractor passed them, going at some speed for a tractor.

"Given the road conditions, it's fair to say it was being driven inconsiderately, causing bow waves and splashing."

He said officers stopped Hooper, of Deer Avenue, St Peter's, Worcester, and a breath test revealed he had 61mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the legal limit is 35mcg.

Due to the weather, Hooper and two co-workers had finished early and gone to the pub.

It was later that evening when Hooper's colleague Stephen Lewis received a call from his girlfriend Joanne Burton, who was trapped in a flooded country lane, in her car with their two young children, one of whom was ill with chickenpox.

"The girlfriend was extremely distressed," said Mr Waley.

"And Mr Hooper tried to be the knight in the shining tractor and dashed to the rescue."

Neil Cawson, defending, described Hooper as a man of impeccable character.

He said: "The circumstances in July were quite unique; it's been over 150 years since we'd had weather like it.

"We've all been touched by the consequences."

He went on to show pictures of the landslide, which resulted in Miss Burton and the children becoming trapped, to the bench.

"Andrew Hooper offered to help, not realising how much he had drunk, and set off on the lengthy journey.

"It was a mercy mission - he had nothing to gain by helping them."

He said that it was four hours before the children and Miss Burton were rescued.

Magistrates disqualified Hooper from driving for 12 months, fined him £100 and a £15 victim surcharge.