AN east Cleveland car enthusiast is polishing his prized Volvo and preparing for what could be the drive of his life.

Edward Brown, a 75-year-old retired teacher from Stanghow Road, Lingdale, is entering his 100,000-mile, 1988 Volvo 360 GLT in the Northern round of the 2000 Autoglym Concours Championship - in which cars are judged on their presentation - at the Yorkshire Motor Festival, near Beverley.

If he wins, Mr Brown will be able to enter the high-profile final at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, in November.

Mr Brown is expecting competition to be fierce, as his Volvo will be up against some of the country's most immaculately prepared cars. Mr Brown has been a motor enthusiast since he was a teenager.

He began riding motorcycles and switched to cars when he learned to drive at the age of 27.

He spends most of his spare time tinkering and cleaning his car, and is a founding member of the Teesside Volvo Club.

Mr Brown has only been on the competition circuit for four years, but in that short time has won many trophies and awards.

He said: "I have never been to Beverley before and I am going in among the giants.

"It is the first time I have competed against other cars apart from Volvos so it will be tough, but I am looking forward to it."