What was your first car?

My first car was a VW Beetle. I paid monthly for it and as I was hard up at the time the payments were crippling me. When I wrote it off it was somewhat of a blessing as it got rid of the car and the finance.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

Although I'd already been driving for years I did pass my test first time. It's so long ago that I can't remember what car I passed in . I taught myself.

The Northern Echo:

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

I'd choose Billy Connolly and Australia. Great, humorous passenger and a great spacious and scenic country full of character and characters.

The Northern Echo: Tickets for Billy Connolly and Julian Clary at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre go on sale this Friday

What is your dream car?

A Jaguar XJ. Beautiful lines, comfort and luxury. A far cry from one of my first cars , a very old Vauxhall Cresta for which I paid £15!

How would you describe your driving style?

Not too slow to be boring and not too fast to be dangerous. Conservative with a Bohemian streak.

Tell me a driving anecdote?

After limping through the Mersey Tunnel, my old A40 van died as I exited the toll booth on the Birkenhead side. Another driver in another old banger saw my predicament and pushed me slowly bumper to bumper to my home about two miles away. What a gentleman!

What are you listening to?

I'm playing Doc Watson. Some of his guitar instrumentals are great musical companions for a trip down the motorway. When the traffic’s moving that is.

What are you driving now?

My present car is a Hyundai i20. Easy to get in an out of and reasonably comfortable for my little trips into town.

The Northern Echo: Hyundai i20