The owner of Pyle Garden Centre in Bridgend had a driving ban overturned because of worries about the future of his business.

Michael James, of Newton Nottage Road, Porthcawl was caught speeding on March 19 last year on the A40 at Pencraig on his way to Ross-on-Wye.

The 44-year-old appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court on December 1 and was fined £320, ordered to pay costs of £117 and disqualified from driving for six months.

But he appeared at Hereford Crown Court to appeal the driving disqualification as he said he needed to drive to keep his business afloat.

The court heard he had run the Pyle Garden Centre in Bridgend with his wife since 2012, and employed 28 to 30 people.

He drives 30,000 miles a year visiting suppliers and collecting stock for his fledgling business.

Since his disqualification, he said it has been very difficult, especially as their busiest time of year is coming up from March to May.

James told the court there was nobody else at the centre who could visit suppliers as they all have key roles, yet they cannot afford to employ a full time driver.

He said he worried he would have to let some staff go if he cannot visit suppliers.

He said: "It is not viable if I can't get the stock in."

The company turns over £1million a year with a 1.2% profit.

Judge Toby Hooper and two magistrates sitting in the crown court accepted exceptional hardship and expunged the disqualification.

James will go back on the road with 10 points on his licence.