Yahoo News Meet Britain's oldest takeaway driver, 82, who hasn't missed a single shift
Great-grandad Brian Loughans is believed to be Britain’s oldest takeaway driver – at the grand age of 82.
Brian works on average 18 hours per week and hasn’t missed a single shift since he started the job around two-and-a-half-years-ago.
The RAF veteran and former cabbie delivers takeaways from the Indian restaurant in his Vauxhall Vectra in all weathers dressed smartly in shirt and tie – and without a SATNAV.
He tends to cover the West Yorkshire area but once found himself driving a staggering 112 miles down to West Bromwich for a regular customer.
The widower, whose wife of 50-years Margaret died several years ago, has no plans to put his feet up anytime soon because the job keeps him busy.
He started working for Kiplings restaurant in Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax, West Yorks, by chance after a driver had rung in sick.
Brian was in the restaurant so asked if he could deliver meals and the rest is history.
In recognition of his tireless work, Brian was recently voted the best takeaway delivery driver in Britain.
The judging panel commended Brian for his punctuality, reliability and cheerful attitude.
‘I believe I am probably the oldest person delivering Indian takeaways in the British Isles.’ he said.
‘People have asked how I do it but according to the medics I am 100% fit.. I think the secret is not drinking or smoking.
“I was a taxi driver for 40 years so I know my way around and when I was offered the work here I thought it might be a bit of fun. I enjoy going out and meeting people.’
Dad-of-four Brian was a senior aircraftman with the RAF in the 1950s, serving as an air traffic controller during the volatile Suez Crisis.
Later he worked as a TV engineer and then spent 40 years as a taxi driver – which taught him the streets of Halifax so well he doesn’t need a satnav.
His only fear is dogs after being bitten by an Alsatian and a cocker spaniel while delivering Yellow Pages.
Kiplings boss Mohammed Rafiq, 52, said: ‘Brian is an absolutely wonderful employee and we’re very proud to have him working here.
‘The customers absolutely love him. He’s a bit of a celebrity around here. Brian is absolutely irreplaceable. It really is our honour.’
