Octogenarian Richard 'Vernon' Lobb says 'it's great to be alive', after he was feared to have been the victim of a car accident reported in last week's Chronicle.

Mr Lobb, 87, who lives in Stoke Fleming, said several people had contacted his son, Mark, concerned that he had died at the wheel of his car.

'It was mistaken identity,' he said.

'When I walked into the Over 60s Club at the Dartmouth community cafe, everybody clapped and cheered.

'The girls at the Spar shop in Townstal gave me a kiss when they saw me.

'I never knew I was so popular and appreciate everybody's concern.'