ROBIN Straughan sets heads turning whenever he goes for a spin in his new vehicle.

The front of Robin's vehicle is an old 650cc Kawasaki motorbike, which has been welded on to the back half of a D-registered Citreon 2CV car. The bike's motor is housed in the boot. The three-wheeler, bought from a friend for just over £1,200, can reach 70mph.

And with the help of a favorable tail wind, it can manage a creditable 60 miles to the gallon.

Robin, 33, a laboratory technician of Witton Gilbert, County Durham, said it attracted attention whenever he went out with partner Carole Surrey.

He said: "It is a bit open to the elements and is completely different to driving either a car or motorcycle.

"It does about nought to 60 in about three weeks, but it's a laugh to ride."