A MOTORIST from Chard is “chuffed to bits” after passing her driving test at the age of 65.

Grandmother Maryanne Adams, of Bubwith Close, proved that despite her advancing years her driving skills were as sharp as ever when she went for her practical driving test.

It was Mrs Adams' fourth attempt to crack the test and she said it has now given her a new lease of life.

She told the News: “I am really over the moon and chuffed to bits. If I can do it then anyone can.

“I can do my craft fairs now without relying on the other girls to take me everywhere.

“It has been terrible, I have a bus pass but I am not one of those people who like to put on other people, I like to do things for myself.”

Her son Clive Adams, who is a driving instructor, and nephew Richard helped put her through her paces behind the wheel.

Mrs Adams said: “I think I was hard work I suspect but Clive and my nephew Richard were amazing. If it was not for them I could not have done it.”

Mrs Adams said learning to drive was never a priority when she was growing up.

She said: “My mum and dad never had a car and we never thought about driving because we could not afford it.

“When Clive became a driving instructor I said to him 'if you can teach your mother you can teach anyone'.

Mrs Adams, who is retired but helps out adults with learning difficulties, learnt in an automatic Vauxhall Astra.

She tried to learn in a manual car but struggled with the gears and listening to the revs of the vehicle due to her hearing difficulties.

Mrs Adams and her husband George are due to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this week.

She said passing the test will allow her to take her husband to watch cricket at Somerset County Cricket Club next season.

Have you got a nice success story? Get in touch with chief reporter Daniel Milligan on 01823-365104 or email newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk