MOST men dream of owning a top-of-the-range sports car or luxury convertible but Mike Howells has spent his working life lovingly caring for something slightly less flashy.

It was love at first sight when he first started working on this tiny German-built Goggomobil in 1965.

Now 40 years later, he is the proud owner and still drives what is probably Bournemouth's smallest car every day.

"I get a lot of funny looks but I find it comfortable and roomy," said Mr Howells, who stands 6ft 2in tall.

"When our children were small we used to go out in the Goggomobil as a family, easily fitting four people into it," he added.

"The kids stopped coming out in it when someone asked if it was one of the dodgems on a trip to the fair."

Mr Howells, 56, unwittingly drew attention to himself this week when he waited at traffic lights next to one of Bournemouth's newest Yellow Buses, which towered over his treasured car.

Mr Howells, who lives in Winton, has worked for St Christophers Garage in Pokesdown for 40 years.

"When I started work the owner used to bring the Goggomobil into the garage," he said. "He decided to get rid of it in 1988 and I bought it from him. We have had a lot of fun in it and have even been on a bubble car rally to Bath."

He said he feels safe in the tiny red car, despite its size. "It is very manoeuvrable and I feel I could get out of most situations.

"I don't think I will ever sell it - it has sentimental value now because I have been involved with it for so long."