81 years driving.. without taking an L-test; NOW FRED TAKES A BRAKE.

Byline: RICHARD SMITH

WHEN Fred Haskett was handed the keys in 1928, it was the start of eight decades behind the wheel - not all of them legal.

Now 93, Fred was a lad of 12 when the coal merchant he worked for replaced his horse and cart with a Ford Model T.

And Fred spent five years delivering coal and milk in the lorry before he was old enough to apply for a driving licence.

A licence was later granted without Fred having to take a test. In fact, he has never sat an L-test in his unblemished 81-year driving career, in which he has steered Chevrolets and tanks.

In all that time Fred has never been involved in an accident or made an insurance claim. But now he is hanging up his car keys - for an electric buggy.

Fred, who lives with wife Gwendoline, 90, in Yeovil, Somerset, said yesterday: "I had about five years being a naughty boy and driving without a licence, but I was very careful because I was determined that nothing should stop me from driving for my career.

"Driving has been a big part of my life, but come June when I have to renew my licence I'll be 94 and pretty ancient. My sight is not what it should be." The father-of-two's passion for motors saw him join the Royal Army Service Corps.

Fred served in Egypt during the Second World War when he once drove a Churchill tank. But from now on his only motor will be a four-wheel electric buggy.

"It's capable of going up to 6mph - more than enough to take me to Tesco," he said.

Son Steve Haskett, 60, from London added: "Driving has been dad's life.

"He's always been keen on cars and he is still a good, steady driver. But my brother and I are happy he has decided to hang up his keys.

"It's a shame but he's had a good run for his money."

CAPTION(S):

STAND AND DELIVER Fred with his lorry LIFE ON THE ROAD Fred, 93