AT the age of 92, Sale man Sandy Ricketts can often be seen driving around Sale in his new, blue Toyota Aygo.

The Hayling Road resident took his driving test in Stretford in1938, three years after the test was introduced. Apart from a break during the war when he was an RAF flying instructor, he has been driving ever since.

His parents, who didn’t drive, encouraged him to learn so he could ferry them around.

Sandy said: “During the test, I went straight across an unmarked cross road but that didn’t stop me from passing.”

His first car, an Austin Swallow, had bright green mud guards.

Then he coughed up £20 for a second hand Austin 7.

After the war, he chose a smart, black Triumph two seater with a chromium plated radiator grill and matching head lamps. “I loved it,” he said.

His favourite vehicle was a Vauxhall Shooting Brake which he used to transport projectors to schools after starting a new business.

“Once I drove it all round the Isle of Man dropping off equipment,” he said.

He often ferried his family around Europe. “I did all the driving. I didn’t like being on the ‘wrong’ side of the road!”

Sandy clashed with the law only once in the 1950s.

“I was caught driving at 37 mph down the main road.

“I had to go to Stretford Town Hall to answer a charge of reckless driving. I was fined ten shillings and had my licence endorsed.

“After 75 years I still enjoy driving but don’t go far now.”