He may have nearly as many years behind him as miles on the clock but this biker has no intention of hanging up his leathers.

Dave Fletcher celebrated his 85th birthday last Friday by going for a spin on his 250cc Kawasaki.

In 59 years of motorcycling he has never had an accident and never had any points on his licence.

The grandfather-of-five says careful riding has helped him steer clear of any trouble, although he admits it is much more difficult now than when he started in 1947.

He said: "For one thing you didn't have to wear a helmet and there was nowhere near as much traffic on the roads."

Dave, a former plumber of Milland Road, Hailsham, puts his continuing fitness down to "good food and a good wife".

He and his wife June, 76, will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary next week.

In all that time he has n e v e r managed to win her over - she has never so much as ridden pillion in the years they have been together.

Dave has many friends and at all his regular stop-off, at Wessons Caf and Motorcycles in Horan, staff pledged four years ago to give him free tea for life.

That could be a long time yet.

He said: "I enjoy it. It is the freedom and fresh air around you when you're riding."

Although a member of the East Sussex Vintage Motorcycle Club, he prefers the solitude of the open road.

He said: "I like to go out on my own.

I can go where I want, when I want."

His first bike was a 500cc Triumph Speed Twin. He has had eight bikes and says the Moto Guzzi 500cc he rides now is his favourite.