PAUL Hayes is the star of TV antiques shows Cash in the Attic and Bargain Hunt. Born into the business – his father was a dealer – Paul lives in Morecambe with his wife and three children. When he is not on TV or travelling the country looking for antiques, he fronts his own rock and roll band, The Paul Hayes Collection. For more details on Paul and his band visit www.thepaulhayescollection.co.uk

What was your first car?

My first car was a 1969 Morris Minor Traveller in almond green, the one with the wooden sides. The wood was rotten, and I remember it having a huge mushroom shaped "fungus" growing out of it. Unfortunately, I had to let her go, as she failed an MOT, due to the rear suspension spring coming through the back seat!

The Northern Echo:

To this day I miss the smell of creosote and imitation leather, something you just don't get with modern cars!

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I learned to drive in my brother's six volt Volkswagen Beetle, which needed a jump start every lesson! When I reached a certain standard, I eventually paid for some lessons in a new Renault Five. I remember thinking how much easier the gear selections were, and it was powerful enough to go up steep hills, something my brother's Beetle couldn't manage!

Unfortunately, I failed my first test due to panicking after stalling the car during a three-point turn. Happily, I passed on my second attempt.

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

My ideal fantasy passenger would have to be my late father, Peter Hayes.

He was a general antiques dealer, and would always have time to take me along to various country antique shops, auctions, car boot sales, fairs etc and this is how I learned the business.

Life was one big laugh, full of interesting eccentric characters who all shared a love of antiques and the dealing way of life.

Lovejoy eat your heart out!

What is your dream car?

The Northern Echo:

For my 40th birthday my brother gave me an envelope which contained two tickets for Graceland, and two flight tickets to Memphis! Amongst Elvis' fantastic car collection is a 1955 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. The car is stunningly beautiful, a moving work of art, and for me sums up the 1950s American dream. The car was originally white, and the story goes that Elvis asked for it to be resprayed purple after crushing some red grapes on the bonnet!

How would you describe your driving style?

I have come to the conclusion that I now drive like an old man, rarely going over the speed limit.

This has been pointed out to me by my sons, due to the fact that there is always a long queue of cars behind me and never any in front!

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I remember travelling home from a successful buying trip, heavily laden with all types of antiques, including a set of Victorian chairs, which were tied on the roof rack.

Unfortunately, one of the bungees holding the chairs snapped, and they were smashed to smithereens. I remember picking up all the broken bits, and throwing them over a fence with the help of a friendly and understanding police officer.

What are you listening to?

The Northern Echo: Line Dancing

At the moment my car radio is on the blink. Sometimes I can tune into a French station on longwave, but the sound quality is quite poor. Luckily, I stumbled across some old cassette tapes at a car boot sale which i purchased for 25p each.

My journeys are now filled with the sound of "Do the watermelon crawl", a type of line-dancing compilation tape. By choice I would love to listen to Elvis singing Gospel, if I had it on cassette!

What do you drive now?

The Northern Echo:

I drive a 1989 Volvo 740 GL estate - a fantastic, reliable, bulletproof vehicle that helps me transport anything from boxes of China tea sets to antique wardrobes.

The antique dealer's car!