THESE days, we are often told the way to get ahead in the working world is to keep changing jobs.

So it’s a pleasure to discover someone like Mike Howells, who has been a mechanic at the same garage since the Austin 1100 was Britain’s favourite car.

Half a century of service is something to be proud of, but he can be even more pleased with the tributes from his employers. They describe him as “a joy to have around”, with “as much enthusiasm now as he had when he was 15”.

Cars come and go, but the right attitude never goes out of fashion.