A MAN was granted a taxi driving licence, despite having been penalised five times in seven years for driving offences.

Martin Woods, 23, from Darlington, was yesterday granted permission to take up a job with Ace Cars taxi company, after councillors debated his suitability.

Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee gave Mr Woods a licence with a warning, and said it could be suspended or revoked at any time.

He had been penalised five times between 1998 and 2004 - twice for having no insurance, twice for parking illegally, and once for speeding - and currently has six penalty points on his driving licence.

Councillor Isobel Hartley, chairwoman of the committee, said: "Very obviously, members have some doubts about granting this licence, and we are not all that happy about the fact you have had these offences.

"However, you say you have calmed down, and I hope that is so.

"You must keep your nose clean."

Mr Woods said he was very keen to begin a career as a taxi driver.

"I used to be young and daft, but I have grown up now and want to build up a career and try and get on with my life," he said.

"I accept my record is not very good, but for the last year I have tried to keep myself out of trouble.

"I want to get on with doing something I enjoy, and serve the public."

Mr Woods said he had passed his advanced driving test, and his driving had improved as a result.