AN 83-year-old lorry driver from Ashkirk has just parked up on the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Dick Henderson has spent almost five decades behind the wheel for several local haulage firms.

And on Saturday he was presented with the official Guinness Book of Records certificate during a surprise party.

Dick, who was 83 years and 269 days old when he was officially certified as the oldest, beats the previous record which was held for 19 years by 80-year-old Robert Currie.

Dick told us: "I never knew a thing about the record - it was all a big surprise when I went down for a pint on Saturday.

"I began driving when I was 25 on the Co-op coal lorry and that's what I've been doing ever since.

"I've no intention of stopping - if I feel I can't do it any more I'll stop, but I don't see that happening for a while yet."

Working life for Dick began on a farm just after the Second World War.

In 1955 he got his first taste of driving with the Cooperative coal lorry then for a lime delivery firm in Hawick.

After a spell at Philiphaugh Estate in Selkirk, Dick worked for several local companies including Thomas Mitchell of Ettrickbridge.

He did retire from Baxter's of Pathead at the start of the millennium - for just TWO days.

And he quickly got back in the driving seat with his son's firm, Elliot Henderson's, in Selkirk.

Dick, who was widowed in the 1980s, added: "Retirement wasn't for me.

"I was bored after two days and went back to work."

On Saturday Dick was joined by sons Elliot and Roderick, and daughter Lesley, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to celebrate his inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records at The Smiddy in his home village.

Former colleagues from Baxter's also joined in the celebrations.

Grandson Gavin, who works with his grandfather in Selkirk, organised the surprise party.

He said: "We first contacted the Guinness World Records almost a year ago and it's been a lengthy process where they have to validate all of the paperwork to prove my granddad is the oldest.

"He's remarkable for his age and I can't imagine his record will be beaten any time soon"