BBC NEWS North Midlands/East West/South-West London/South North Midlands/East West/South-West London/South
BBCi CATEGORIES   TV   RADIO   COMMUNICATE   WHERE I LIVE   INDEX    SEARCH 

BBC News UK Edition
 You are in: England  
News Front Page
World
UK
England
N Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Politics
Business
Entertainment
Science/Nature
Technology
Health
Education
-------------
Talking Point
-------------
Country Profiles
In Depth
-------------
Programmes
-------------
BBC Sport
BBC Weather
CBBC News
SERVICES
-------------
EDITIONS
Wednesday, 12 February, 2003, 19:31 GMT
Centenarian is still driving on
John Puntis
John Puntis is still confident behind the wheel
A Herefordshire man who is celebrating his 100th birthday has no intention of giving up his two favourite pastimes - driving and signwriting.

John Puntis learned to drive in the 1920s, but is still confident behind the wheel of his Ford Escort.

Mr Puntis, who was 100 on Tuesday 11 February, also continues to do occasional work as a professional signwriter.

Mr Puntis continues to amaze family and friends, and puts his longevity down to the generosity of God.

The roads are busy, but that doesn't bother me because I have been driving for 70 years

John Puntis

He is a regular worshipper at Prestiegne Baptist Church, where he produced new signs when he was well into his 90s.

"I am quite physically fit and I do my own washing and cooking," said Mr Puntis.

"I like a basin of bread and milk every morning for my breakfast. It is a simple diet but it doesn't do you any harm."

Mr Puntis revealed that he recently drove to Portsmouth.

"The roads are busy, but that doesn't bother me because I have been driving for 70 years," he said.

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
BBC Midlands Today's Andy Newman
"He still feels confident behind the wheel"

Click here to go to BBC Hereford and Worcester
Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page.


 E-mail this story to a friend

Links to more England stories

© BBC ^^ Back to top

News Front Page | World | UK | England | N Ireland | Scotland | Wales |
Politics | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology |
Health | Education | Talking Point | Country Profiles | In Depth |
Programmes