ONE can only feel pity for the unfortunate woman driver who came up against Prehistoric man at an exhaust centre.

Believing her problem to be slight, she was first off a little stunned to discover the whole system would need replacing. "Just couldn't let you drive off in that, m'love", said hairy man, "Just wouldn't be able to sleep easy tonight."

Simpering - garages have that effect on women - she obediently agreed.

But then came the bombshell - did she know her 'shocks' on one side were all to cock? Dripping they were, all over the floor.

Tut, tut, tut, said Hairy man. Then, sucking his teeth and considering the make of the car - a Citroen - he offered an explanation - French cars - being French where they drive on the wrong side of the road - have to tackle more right hand bends.

Seems obvious, thought poor woman driver - her head full of fluffy bunnies and knitting - but the car's never been abroad.