Eileen’s pride and joy torched

HAPPIER times . . . when Eileen passed her test

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AN elderly motorist who ripped up her L-plates at the age of 72 has had her car burned out.

Eileen Ganson’s Vauxhall Corsa was destroyed by an arsonist in the early hours of Tuesday.

The great-grandmother, now 81, believes that someone tried to steal her pride and joy before being disturbed when a neighbour switched on a light.

A man or youth wearing a hoodie was seen fleeing the scene.

Eileen, of Cashgate Court, Hollins, said: “I think he maybe came back to try and destroy the fingerprints.

“I woke up and thought perhaps someone was having a row, then I heard three bangs and a neighbour came and told me my car was ablaze.”

Eileen only decided to learn to drive when she was 68 and passed her test in 2001.

She plans to get another vehicle, but described her 10-year-old Corsa as “her baby”.

“I really looked after it,” she added.

“I had just spent £633 to put it through its MOT and have jobs done on it.

“It is just a car at the end of the day and nobody was hurt, but it made me feel upset.

“I can get about, but not all day, and a car helps me feel more independent.”

Two other cars were damaged in the fire.