A 32-year-old mother claimed she failed to pay a statutory fine for not making sure her children attended school because she could not read.

Nicola Crouch said she was unable to understand the notice when it arrived at her home in Spencer Street, Keighley.

Crouch pleaded guilty at Bingley Court to failing to ensure her children, 13 year-old Dale and 12-year-old Helen, attended Oakbank School, Keighley.

The bench was told that last year Dale had attended school only 50 per cent of the time and Helen 64 per cent.

A statutory fine of £50 had been imposed on Crouch in July which had increased to £100 when she failed to pay.

Improvements had been made this year with them both attending 42 times out of a possible 44, magistrates heard.

The bench waived the £100 fine and imposed a six months' conditional discharge.