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Joyride gives George a lift

George Lamont, in his dream ride, the Austin A90 Atlantic, with owners Fred and Linda Singleton and Harvey Lions Club member Janine Quicke. Picture: Hannelore Hepburn

When a rare 1950 Austin A90 Atlantic rolled into George Lamont's driveway to take him for a spin last Tuesday, the classic car enthusiast could not believe his eyes.

Mr Lamont, the proud owner of an immaculate 1960 Morris Minor and member of the South West Veteran Car Club, had been warned to be ready for a surprise.

But the arrival of his dream car was beyond his expectations.

"I thought the surprise might have to do with a car but this is amazing. I have never even touched an Austin A90 and riding in one feels fantastic - it was my life-long dream," he said.

Harvey Lions Club gave Mr Lamont the ride of his life as the inaugural recipient of the Wish for a Lion initiative to recognise deserving community members by granting them a wish.

Mr Lamont, who suffers from chronic illness and has lost one leg, was for many years a communication officer coordinating, from his home, police and emergency services authorities at road crashes and other crisis situations.

Lions member and Mr Lamont's support worker, Janine Quicke, said the idea formed when Mr Lamont was feeling down one day and mentioned he would love to ride in an A90 Atlantic before he died.

After some research, the Lions approached the vehicle's owners, Fred and Linda Singleton of Northam, who agreed to help make Mr Lamont's dream come true.