I’m pleased to announce that lifelong family friend, Don Booker MBE, has joined Mouse Move as motoring writer for our Autos section.

Don became motoring editor of the Barnsley Chronicle after joining them in 1948 and has test driven just about every car you could imagine – plus quite a few you couldn’t!

He was awarded the MBE in the 1995 New Year Honours list for all his work within the Barnsley community.

Don is currently the Membership Secretary of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers.

Don is also the author of A Barnsley Lad, published by Wharncliffe Books, a colourful record of his life from growing up in Dodworth, to his retirement from the post of Editor of the Barnsley Chronicle in 1994.

These days, Don mixes with the celebrity crowd. He grew up with Michael Parkinson, was a regular golf partner of the late Charlie Williams and counts Norman Wisdom as a friend. Despite mingling with the rich and famous, Don still has a remarkable down to earth manner.

It goes without saying that I’m very happy to have him on board!