PADDY McGuinness has revealed that he was just 12 when his father let him drive the family car on public roads.

The Bolton-born comedian said he was allowed to drive his father's Hillman Avenger - a small rear-wheel family car - near their home.

But, he admitted that he could not condone his own behaviour.

McGuinness, who is currently shooting the next series of Top Gear, said he thought it had been acceptable at the time because public roads "were kind of desolate back then".

He told the Press Association: "Back when I was a young lad, I'm not condoning this, but there wasn't as much traffic on the roads. My dad used to drive a Hillman Avenger, and he would take me on the road driving that.

"So I was driving when I was about 12, 13 on the public roads, which were kind of desolate back then. Now it's just ridiculous.

"He gave me lessons in the old Hillman Avenger and that stuck with me."

McGuinness, a long-standing fan of the motoring show, said his first car cost just £90 and was deemed a "death trap" by mechanics.

"The first car I bought was nearly £90. It was an Mk Two Escort, and I will tell you the state of that car.

"I went for an MOT and I'm sat in the waiting room, and the mechanic came out and he went: 'Whose is the Escort?' And I went, 'Mine,' and he went: 'F****** death trap.'

"I thought to myself, 'It hasn't passed, has it?' So that was my introduction to cars."

McGuinness was revealed as one of the new hosts of Top Gear back in October. He will be joined by former cricketer Andrew Flintoff and racing driver Chris Harris in the main presenting line-up.

After the announcement was made, he said: “For a lad from Bolton who grew up watching Top Gear, in a two up two down Daubhill terrace, and to be now hosting the world’s biggest car show is a real dream come true.

"Hopefully I’ll do the town proud.”

The 27th series of Top Gear is expected to air later this year.