A WIRRAL pensioner has proved age is no barrier to enjoying the freedom of the open road as he approaches his 100th birthday.

Ken Medlock and wife Edna took to the roads near their West Kirby home for a romantic date at the seaside as part of ITV documentary 100-year-old drivers, which last screened last week.

During the programme, viewers heard from those aged over 100 and those heading towards the milestone, alongside their families about their motoring habits.

It also asked whether elderly motorists should be regularly re-tested on their skills.

Looking back on his experience, Ken - who turns 100 in September - told the Globe: "I was happy to be involved in the programme. It went very well.

"The camera crew turned up at 8.30 in the morning and didn't leave until 6.30pm. It was a long day, but very enjoyable."

Ken, a former engineer who was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside and published a book about his rich and varied career last year, continued: "I've done a lot of drivng over the years and had no intention of giving up.

"If anything, my experience on the show has made me more confident behind the wheel.

"In fact, when I was in business, I was doing 50,000 miles a year. We've got an apartment in the French Alps, which is about 900 miles away, and I used to drive there all of the time. I don't now though."

Edna, who Ken married 75 years ago, is among nearly 200 drivers over the age of 100 in the UK.

Motorists over the age of 70 must reapply through the post for a driving licence every three years but are not automatically re-tested.

Also featured in the show was centurion Bomber Command veteran Harry Kartz who drives to the betting shop and back every day and retired school teacher Mary Walker one of just 59 women over the century mark still driving.

Ken's biography, A Good Innings, was published last year. It chronicled his days days as an engineer with the print works in his home village of Derbyshire and featured his becoming chairman of a fledgling Radio City in 1972.

During his time at the station, Ken was invited to join Merseyside chamber of commerce and appointed chairman in 1986.

Among the book's highlights are his involvement with a number of charities including Merseyside Kidney Research.

He also played a major part in ITV’s first charity telethon in 1988, which raised millions for good causes.

Ken was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside in 1985 for his charity work and awarded the OBE in 1989.