An AA patrolman who has rescued around 80,000 motorists today marks 45 years with the organisation.

Jim Haggart, 60, is the AA's longest serving patrolman in the UK, having joined its cadet scheme in his teens.

The Glasgow grandfather estimates he has rescued 1500-2000 people a year since he began his career.

He said: "If I do on average maybe eight jobs a shift I get to help eight different people.

"It's nice to be able to get a car going and see the satisfaction on people's faces when they drive away."

Mr Haggart, 60, left school at 15 and worked as an office boy and an electrician's apprentice before spotting a job advert for the AA.

He was tempted to apply because he'd always been fascinated by cars.

The company called his father for an interview first, as that was the procedure at the time, and then offered him a job.

He said: "I think they wanted to see if I was from 'good stock"'

Mr Haggart has no plans to retire and has not ruled out the prospect of reaching 50 years' service.

His manager Graham Coburn said: "Jim is a brilliant patrol. He is one of the all-round nice guys.

"Our patrols like to say they fix the member first, then the car, and Jim epitomises this spirit. He's a fantastic ambassador."

As a reward for his dedication, AA bosses have given Jim gift vouchers, an extra ten days annual leave and a specially commissioned service award.