"3 is definitely not my lucky number"

The number 3 is supposed to be lucky. However, last year it certainly wasn't mine, because that was the number of times I managed to lock myself out of my car.

Due to my central locking not working, I had to lock my car manually. Thinking that I had already taken the keys from the ignition, I would get out of the car only to have the sudden and horrifying realisation that the keys were still in there - locked in there. And I managed to do this on three separate occasions.

Naturally, I would then get on my mobile phone and call the AA. One of their patrols would then get out some plastic chocks and a piece of metal and set about regaining access.

I remember that there was one occasion where the patrol was having a wee bit of trouble. This amused the passers-by, and a small group gathered around to watch. Which of course made me feel even more foolish than ever. Eventually though he managed to get the door open and retrieve my keys - with absolutely no damage done to the car. All three patrols were complete professionals who were nothing but courteous and never once made me feel silly.

Gordon Patten, AA Member