A Bolton woman who was seen swerving between lanes on the M61 told police she had been "out in Manchester drinking with friends".

Rebecca Ashworth is facing a demotion at work after being caught drink driving, Bolton Magistrates' Court heard.

The court was told she came to the attention of police due to the nature of her driving during the incident in October.

Rafih Khan, prosecuting, said: “Officers driving along the M61 saw a black Mercedes car which came to their attention due to the manner of driving.

“It was observed by a police constable swerving between lanes in excess of the speed limit.

“The driver said she had been in Manchester drinking with friends.”

Ashworth was taken to Bolton custody suite, breathalysed, and found to have 56 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

At court Ashworth, 30, of Chiltern Drive, Bolton, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in her system.

Mr Khan added: “There was no previous convictions on her record.”

Duncan Philips, defending, said: “This is completely out of character for her.

“She has lost her good character as a result of her guilty plea today.

“She regrets her actions on that day.

“There are going to be consequences for her.

“The defendant now understands you have no choice but to disqualify her from driving.

“This is going to have an impact on her career.

“She won’t be able to do her current role.

“Her employers have suggested they will keep her on post disqualification.

“It will be in a reduced role.

“This will affect her financially.”

Chair of the bench Jean Hamilton fined her £461 and ordered her to pay further costs of £269.

She also banned Ashworth from the roads for a year but gave her the chance to reduce the ban by 12 weeks if she completes the drink drivers rehabilitation course.