A WIRRAL centenarian faces up to the challenges of driving long-distance in a new series that will be broadcast on ITV next week.

In the last series of 100-year-old driver, Ken and Edna Medlock were shown driving to the seaside for a fun day out.

In 100 year old drivers ride again, which starts on ITV next Wednesday (July 15), they face an emotional parting as Edna goes into a care home in Buckinghamshire, a 200-mile drive from their West Kirby home.

By moving, Edna will be closer to her children. If Ken wants to see her, it's a three and a half hour drive, something he hasn't done in many years.

Ken, who celebrated his 100th birthday in September, said: "There's bound to be sadness. I've got to get used to the fact that she isn't in the next bedroom. She's not physically there and I've got to adjust to this."

Ken, a former engineer who was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside and published a book about his rich and varied career two years ago, continued: "I really don't know what I'd do if I didn't drive because it's no good saying, 'You can get taxis.' 

"So now I just live normally and if I decide I want to go, I do it."

When he goes to visit Edna - his wife of 76 years - it's in the passenger seat as his son’s banned him from driving the 200-mile journey.

He continued: "I don't have the slightest doubt I could have driven, down and backwards.

"So I don't know how long it will go on like this, so we'll just have to wait and see. We'll see who wins the argument later on."

Ken is one of 230 drivers over the age of 100 in the UK.

Other centenarians featured in the new series include Eileen Ash, 103, who used to play cricket for England and now drives every week to her yoga class, and Bert Gallagher who at the age of 100 decides to put himself through an advanced driving assessment.

Laura Thomas has taught almost everyone in her home town how to drive – and continues to impart her wisdom at 95.

At 86 Alastair Pugh may be the youngster in this company, but he races cars for a hobby, with men half his age struggling to match his lap-times.