Learning to drive can be a daunting and frustrating experience to say the least, and driving instructors can often have a hair-raising time in the passenger seat.

So it must have taken more than a little saintly patience for instructor David Horwood to have spent more than four decades taking learners through their three-point turns and attempts at parallel parking.

But the 74-year-old, of New Bedford Road, insists he enjoys his job just as much now as he did when he started out in 1964.

"I'll have to retire one day," he said. "But I don't want to do it until I have to."

A fortnight ago Mr Horwood's current milestone of 45 years behind the dual controls was marked by a surprise celebration organised by the Luton and District Driving Schools Association (LADDSA).

He was presented with a certificate and a glass trophy by the chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency, Rosemary Thew, at the association's meeting at Slip End Village Hall.

Mr Horwood said: "I had absolutely no idea they were going to do it - it was quite exciting."

He says the most rewarding part of the job is helping those who aren't natural drivers pass their test, even if it takes them years to get there.

"It's difficult for some people, so it's really exciting when they pass. I get so much enjoyment out of it.

"It's the type of job you either love or you hate - I'm lucky that I really love doing it."