Kath's drive for Advanced Motorists

For most of her life, Kath Hawker's driving experience has been limited to little more than her journey of a couple of miles to and from work.

But after her husband died 17 years ago, she decided to boost her independence and signed up to join the Walsall Group of Advanced Motorists and has just become chairwoman at the age of 72.

The former Walsall Council admin worker said she was proud to have been granted the honour, which comes after 10 years as membership secretary and seven as a group observer.

She said the training she received after signing up had prevented her being stuck at her home in Fallowfield Road, Daisy Bank, following her husband Tony's death.

"I always depended on my husband and my car only knew its way to the office, my mother's and back home again," she said.

"I only ever sat in the passenger seat before that. But when he died I thought that if I ever had to go on the motorway in an emergency I'd be petrified.

"I thought, 'you'd better do something about it then, girl', so I joined the institute."

Replacing long-time group stalwart Barry Sadler, she was eager to stress the importance of safe driving and the advantages the group could offer. And she disputed the notion that men make better drivers. "I think men may be bit more confident on the whole, but there are good and bad drivers among both men and women," she said.

"But joining the group can really help everyone. By adopting the techniques of safe, smooth and progressive driving we can help people raise their driving skills and work towards gaining the Advanced Driving Certificate. Something that could be a big bonus for all drivers when it comes to renewing motor insurance."

The group meets on the first Sunday of the month at Aldridge Community Centre, where newcomers can enjoy a free coffee and assessment drive.