A learner driver was stopped by police after she decided to travel accompanied by a parrot instead of a qualified driver.

Police are using the unusual incident to remind learner drivers to follow the Highway Code – which prevents them from driving on motorways at all.

The woman was pulled over after being spotted driving a 4x4 near junction 22 eastbound on Sunday.

After stopping the vehicle officers discovered she was alone in the vehicle apart from the bird, believed to be her pet.

The vehicle was confiscated and the woman has been charged with a number of motoring offences, including speeding.

Provisional drivers are only allowed to drive while accompanied by a qualified driver.

Chief Inspector Mark Bownass, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Learner drivers should not be on the motorway at all and anyone who takes to other roads as a learner must be accompanied by a qualified driver and also make sure they are covered by the qualified drivers insurance policy."