His van may be 44 years old but Brian Lambkin has just fitted it with a high tech device – a flashing steering wheel for his pet dog Ben!

The 71-year-old has made a few shrewd investments in his time, but says his best ever was a green Bedford van.

After more than four decades, and with 123,000 miles on the clock, it is still in every day use and he has no qualms about its next MOT.

Former joiner Brian, who has never married, bought the van at Queenborough Corner Garage for £438 in 1965, and says it was worth every penny.

He said: "I do my own servicing, repairs and an occasional bit of spot welding, and it’s never let me down."

Brian was a bit of a whizz on the motorcycle circuits and knows a thing or two about engines.

The van is a familiar sight outside his home (the house where he was born) in Berridge Road, Sheerness.

The vehicle has also attracted the attention of police, who are curious about its two steering wheels.

He said: "I feel a bit daft explaining it’s for the dog, but it’s a fact. My old boxer Ben and me are inseparable. He’s my mate, more loyal than any human could be. We share everything."

He agrees the actual driving is stretching it a bit, but each time he parks up to go shopping, Ben moves over to the driver’s seat and rests his paws on the wheel.

"I was in Tesco car park one day when a crowd of shoppers had gathered around the van.

"They were all laughing at the dog who was looking for all the world like he was ready to move off.

"That gave me the idea to install a steering wheel, just for him."

Although it lacks bells and whistles, the computerised wheel does have lights.

Sad to say, Ben is more impressed by the real deal and still moves over when Brian gets out.

Brian added: "He’s nine now, so I won’t be teaching this old dog new tricks. It’s enough that we go everywhere together."