'I'm the oldest pub landlord in the country at 97 - and I'm still driving'

Frank Collins, the country’s oldest pub landlord, says his first car was a Morris Oxford which he shared with his father in 1953.

He was happy enough with the motor and has had a long and happy driving career.

“I enjoyed the Morris Oxford,” he said. “It was a grand car and I have had a long driving career. I still drive now but I’m not so keen on night-time motoring.”

Frank is the landlord of the Dog & Partridge at Sowood near Outlane between Huddersfield and Halifax.

“In 1964 I got into Mercedes-Benzes,” he said. “I have one ever since.

“I used to change them every year or two so I have lost count of the number I have had but it’s quite a few.

“They’re good cars and very reliable and the dealer was good to deal with. I didn’t see any need to change from Mercedes.”

He says he is a cautious driver but has been caught speeding a couple of times over the years.

Frank, who says he may be the oldest pub landlord in the country and possibly the world, used to think nothing of long-distant trips.

But he now tends to go by train for longer journeys.

He says he can remember passing his test in the 1940s in Huddersfield with an examiner called Mr Carson who he recalls had a very strict reputation.

“It was a tough test but I’m delighted I passed,” he said. “He didn’t stand any nonsense.”

Frank – who was brought up in a pub - had a successful career in textiles before taking over the pub when his mother became too old to run it.