The AA has announced that its oldest patrol will retire this week.

John Golding, 69, attended more than 56,000 breakdowns in his time with the company, after joining in 1984.

He said: “There were no computers in cars then and the main problem was points, which don’t exist any more."

Andy Nunns, Golding’s area manager, said: “John is a brilliant patrol and great with members, which is an important aspect of the job.

"He’s still learning and can certainly teach the younger patrols a thing or two. He considered retiring last year but wanted to do ‘one last winter’, which says a lot about him.

“We’re very proud of John and wish him a very happy and healthy retirement.”

Golding still plans to be active, however. “I’m not the sort of guy to sit on my backside, I’ve got to do something," he said.

"I shall enjoy spending more time with my wife and family. I’ve been married 45 years and got grandchildren now.

"I’ve got myself a little part-time job, too, helping a guy I’ve known for a lot of years build kit cars.”