A motorist who is accused of being five times over the legal limit was arrested by police yesterday.

Shortly after 5pm yesterday, officers received a call from a member of the public who reported that a white Transit van was driving erratically on the A69 near Corbridge.

It is alleged police attended the area and found a van matching the description given by the caller parked up in a lay-by near the Stagshaw roundabout.

A 31-year-old man was subsequently breathalysed and it is alleged he recorded a reading of 176 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath – five times the legal alcohol limit.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle when above the legal alcohol limit.

He has since been charged and is due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle next month.