FOLLOWING IN HER TYREMARKS: Norma King, of Bude, has successfully passed her driving test, following in the 'tyremarks' of her daughter, Pam Belverstone, who passed last year. Norma, aged 70, started learning to drive in 2006 with Andrew Pitt of Jenny Hayes School of Motoring. She took three tests and failed, probably due to nerves but more the fact that her husband Tom King, who is suffering with lung cancer, was in hospital both times with pneumonia and she was beside herself with worry. The main reason why she wanted to learn to drive was to be able to transport her husband up and down to the hospital when he needed to go. Since the last test she was only able to have lessons once a week so towards the end, her son-in-law Keith Belverstone, the caretaker at The Parkhouse Centre also took her out, recognising that it was only confidence she lacked. Norma's whole family were extremely proud of her when she passed her test recently with only three minor faults! Her daughter Pam said: "I always said that I would contact the paper when she passed because of what an achievement it would be for her to pass, especially in her difficult circumstances. She said that she didn't want any fuss just because she is 70 and that if she were a teenager no-one would think any more of it. But I think it is difficult to learn things the older you get, I only passed last year at 45 and I found it tough enough! No, my Mum deserves recognition not only because she passed at 70 but more because through determination and her strong resolve despite her circumstances she focussed herself and got the job done." Norma and Pam are pictured above.

Picture: Andrew Pitt, Bude.